CARCINOMA OF THE PANCREAS

CARCINOMA OF THE PANCREAS

Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women worldwide. In the USA it follows lung cancer and colorectal cancer as the third most common cause of cancer death. In the UK, it is the tenth most common cancer and its incidence has increased slightly over the last 10 years. Nearly 85% of patients present with unresectable or metastatic disease. Even among those who undergo surgery , 5-year survival is around 20%. There is no simple screening test. Patients with an increased inherited risk of pancreatic cancer ( Table 72.8 ) should be referred to specialist units for screening and counselling.