Early Detection Australia

Pancreatic cancer

Are you at high risk for Pancreatic Cancer?

People with a family history of pancreatic cancer, a relevant gene mutation, or new-onset type 2 diabetes after age 50 are at a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Have a conversation with a doctor or book a consultation to find out more.5,11

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  • Australia-wide
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Know your risksTake the next step

~80%

5-year survival when pancreatic cancer is caught at Stage 1A1,2

Blackford et al., JNCI 2020

Know your risks

What are your risks?

New-onset type 2 diabetes
Men and women who develop type 2 diabetes later in life, especially after age 50, may have a higher chance of having or developing pancreatic cancer. In some cases, pancreatic cancer can affect how the body controls blood sugar, causing diabetes to appear suddenly.
Family history of pancreatic cancer
Men and women with a family history of pancreatic cancer may have a higher risk of developing the disease, particularly if multiple close relatives have been affected or if there is a known inherited genetic condition in the family.
Known genetic risk factors
Men and women who are known to carry certain inherited genetic changes linked to pancreatic cancer may have a higher risk of developing the disease. These genetic risk factors can include mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CDKN2A, or genes associated with Lynch syndrome and other hereditary cancer conditions.

5-year survival by stage at diagnosis1,2

Timing changes everything

Stage 1A — early detection1,2

~80%

5-year survival

Stage IV – late detection1,2

~3%

5-year survival

Around 80% of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed only after the cancer has already spread.9 Survival rates are based on published population data and vary by individual.

Why it matters

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed too late.1,2

The early detection of pancreatic cancer can help the diagnosis of early-stage disease when treatments may result in better survival outcomes.3,4

Family history
If a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with pancreatic or ovarian cancer, your lifetime risk may be significantly elevated. Early knowledge is a clinical advantage.
Symptoms appear late6
Early-stage pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are often similar to common, less serious conditions — making early detection difficult.
No routine screening program7,8
There is no routine national screening program for pancreatic cancer. Surveillance currently occurs only in clinical trials or specialised centres.

80%

of cases are diagnosed after the cancer has already spread.9

Know your risk

Who is at higher risk of pancreatic cancer?10,11

You may be at higher risk if you have a strong family history of pancreatic cancer, carry a gene mutation associated with the disease, or are over 50 years of age with new-onset type 2 diabetes.10,11 A doctor review can help you understand your personal risk and whether Early Detection services may be appropriate.

No routine screening
There is no routine national screening program for pancreatic cancer.7 For people at elevated risk, proactive assessment may be an important option to explore.
Know your risk factors
Many people don’t realise they’re at risk. Understanding your personal risk factors — including genetics and diabetes history — matters.

Take the next step

Don't wait for symptoms

Pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages.6 If you’re at higher risk, earlier assessment gives you more options.

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References

  1. 1.Blackford AL et al. Recent Trends in the Incidence and Survival of Stage 1A Pancreatic Cancer. JNCI 2020; 112(11):1162–1169. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2.American Cancer Society. Pancreatic cancer survival rates. cancer.org
  3. 3.Cancer Council Australia. Pancreatic cancer — staging and prognosis. cancercouncil.com.au
  4. 4.Cancer Australia. Pancreatic cancer treatment options. canceraustralia.gov.au
  5. 5.ClearNote Health, data on file.
  6. 6.Australian Journal of General Practice. Pancreatic cancer — clinical features and management. racgp.org.au
  7. 7.Cancer Council Australia. Pancreatic cancer — about pancreatic cancer. cancer.org.au
  8. 8.Cancer Council Australia. About pancreatic cancer. cancercouncil.com.au
  9. 9.eviQ. Pancreatic cancer increased risk — risk management. eviq.org.au
  10. 10.Pancreatic Cancer Network Australia. Causes and risk factors. pankind.org.au
  11. 11.Stoffel EM et al. Pancreatic Cancer: Changing Epidemiology and New Approaches to Risk Assessment, Early Detection, and Prevention. Gastroenterology 2023. gastrojournal.org
  12. 12.Chari ST et al. New-onset diabetes as a clue to the early diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic cancer. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ready to take the next step?

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