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Pancreatic Cancer
- DOUGH GOOD
- Nov 10, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. While cancer is a large issue in today’s world, some specific types are often overlooked, including pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer is not usually discovered in its earliest stages, when recovery is most possible, because it hasn’t spread to other organs yet. As a result, any existing lack of awareness is hazardous. It could be the difference between a diagnosis and treatment or a worsening condition, eventually leading to death.
How does pancreatic cancer form?
When the body’s pancreas has changes in its DNA that affect the rate of cell growth and death, some cells are given improper instructions.
Cancer cells are typically made to reproduce at a rapid rate and live for longer, potentially grouping into a tumor over time. The cells in this tumor affect the body tissue in its vicinity, eventually spreading to other parts of the body.
Pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas, which is an organ located behind the lower stomach. The pancreas supports the body’s digestive processes and blood sugar regulation, producing enzymes, digestive juices, and hormones such as insulin for this purpose.
The most common type of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, originates in cells that line digestive enzyme ducts connected to the pancreas.
What causes pancreatic cancer?
There is no known cause for pancreatic cancer as of this date, only potential risk factors. Hereditary causes, old age, and other conditions, such as pancreatitis, obesity, strong smoking habits, and alcoholism, may put someone at risk for pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms
Belly, side, or back pain
Dark-colored urine
Itching
Loss of appetite
Light-colored/floating stools
Recently diagnosed diabetes
Worsening diabetes
Pain/swelling in limbs
Tiredness
Weakness
Yellowing of skin/whites of eyes
Weight loss
Treatments
Surgery
Removal of head of pancreas, first part of small intestine, & bile duct, potentially part of stomach & nearby lymph nodes
Removal of body & tail of pancreas, potentially spleen
Removal of entire pancreas
Removal of & rebuilding of certain blood vessels
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Immunotherapy
Clinical trials
Palliative care
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Works Cited
Mayo Clinic. “Pancreatic Cancer - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo
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