Overview
Know the basics
Your pancreas helps your body digest food and control blood sugar. If cells inside your pancreas change and grow out of control, you can develop pancreatic cancer.
There are different types of pancreatic cancer. Each type is based on which pancreatic cells are affected. Pancreatic cancer that forms in the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas is called pancreatic adenocarcinoma or pancreatic exocrine cancer. Pancreatic cancer that forms in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas is called pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer.
Pancreatic cancer has few or no symptoms in its earliest stages. This makes pancreatic cancer difficult to detect when it’s most treatable.
When you are at high risk of pancreatic cancer either because of a genetic predisposition or familial pancreas cancer (pancreas cancer in two or more close relatives), it’s important to find early warning signs before they turn into cancer.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Recognizing pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer has no symptoms in its earliest stages. As the cancer progresses, symptoms include:
Abdominal pain
Back pain
Changes to urine and stool
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Treatments and research
Advanced treatment options
Meet our team
A highly skilled team
Our pancreatic cancer team is part of the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center, a Comprehensive Cancer Center as designated by the National Cancer Institute.
We’re also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium.
Our pancreatic cancer team includes:
Genetic counselors
Medical oncologists
Nutritionists
Palliative care professionals
Pathologists
Psychologists
Radiation oncologists
Social workers
Surgical oncologists
Nurse navigator
Location
How to find us
Patient and support services
Find the support you need
You and your family might find it hard to cope with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. At the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center, we offer many services and programs to support you and your family.
Our palliative care team can help you to manage the symptoms of your disease and side effects of treatment. Learn more about UW Health’s Palliative Care Program
Patient stories