The pancreas is a gland produces digestive enzymes that break down all categories of digestible foods and secretes several important hormones including insulin. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor within the pancreas.

The cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. It is, however, not contagious. Studies have shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop pancreatic cancer. These are: age, smoking, diabetes, being male, being African American, and family history of pancreatic, colon or ovarian cancer.

In addition, there is some evidence that there may be a link between chronic pancreatitis and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Other studies suggest that exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace or a diet high in fat may increase the chance of getting pancreatic cancer.

About 32,180 Americans are diagnosed with this condition annually and more than 60,000 in Europe. Depending on the extent of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis is generally regarded as poor, with few victims still alive 5 years after diagnosis, and complete remission still extremely rare.

Early pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include: pain in the upper abdomen or upper back, yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and weight loss.

Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Patients may also be advised to undertake a clinical trial.