November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness for the disease, its symptoms, and risk factors, and to promote early detection and research
What is the pancreas?
It’s an organ about 6 inches long, deep in the abdomen between the stomach and the spine It has both endocrine and exocrine functions – meaning it secretes proteins into the
bloodstream and into other tissues It releases digestive juices, also known as digestive or pancreatic enzymes into the small intestine through its exocrine function
The endocrine function consists of islet cells that produce the blood sugar-regulating hormones insulin (to lower blood sugar) and glucagon (to raise blood sugar) that are secreted into the bloodstream
Pancreatic Cancer Facts:
More than 92% of pancreatic cancer cases are pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). These tumors develop in the exocrine tissue of the pancreas, which makes digestive enzymes.
The less common pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), develop in hormone-producing endocrine cells, or islet cells. Neuroendocrine tumors often have a
better prognosis and younger median age of diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. It is currently the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States after lung and colon. In 2025 an estimated 67,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S., and more than 51,980 will die from the disease. For all stages combined, the 5-year relative survival rate is 13%.
Risks of Pancreatic Cancer:
The cause of the majority of pancreatic cancer cases is unknown. There is evidence that the following may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms or think you are at an increased risk for pancreatic cancer, speak to your doctor today.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
The symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often vague and may at first appear to be associated with other less serious and more common conditions
Dr. Rakesh Rai
Consultant HPB & Transplant Surgery
King’s College Hospital Dubai, UAE
📞 800 7777 📞 + 971521311071
