In the foreground, a model of the pancreas sits on a doctor's desk. In the background, a grey-haired female doctor speaks with a dark-haired female patient.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer affects almost 600 people in Ireland each year. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

About pancreatic cancer

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer treatment

Coping with treatment and side-effects

After treatment

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Pancreatic cancer publications

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer develops when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow out of control, forming a tumour. Almost 600 people are diagnosed with it in Ireland every year.

The most common type of pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma. These cancers are found in the head of the pancreas, in the ducts. About 9 in 10 patients will have adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic cancer may cause very few symptoms in the beginning, but as it grows it can cause symptoms.

What is the pancreas and what does it do?

The pancreas is a gland that is part of your digestive system. It is approximately 6 inches long and lies deep inside your tummy (abdomen), behind your stomach and in front of your spine.

It has 3 main parts: the head, the body and the tail. It is close to several large and important organs and blood vessels.

The pancreas makes digestive juices (enzymes). The digestive juices break down food so that it can be absorbed into the lymph and bloodstreams. The pancreas also makes hormones, including insulin, which control sugar levels in the blood. If the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin, diabetes results.