Pancreatic Cancer

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Pancreatic cancer rarely causes problems in its early stages. Symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain and severe, unexplained weight loss don't appear until the disease is quite advanced. By that time, the cancer is likely to have spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body and surgical removal may no longer be possible.

Although researchers don't know what causes most cases of pancreatic cancer, certain factors are known to increase your risk. These include smoking — about one-third of pancreatic cancers result from tobacco use — excess weight, diabetes, chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), a family history of the disease and certain inherited conditions. Some studies have shown a link between pancreatic cancer and a diet high in fats and processed meat. Most people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are age 55 or older, and a disproportionate number are black. Read more about pancreatic cancer at MayoClinic.com.