6 Myths About Pancreatic Cancer

There are several common misconceptions about the disease as well, creating further confusion. Parsing fact from fiction can empower you to take control of your health should you suspect or become diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

1. Myth: Pancreatic Cancer Is Always Fatal

But this statistic doesn’t show the full picture. “When determining a person’s life expectancy and individualized medical prognosis, healthcare professionals must evaluate a complex, interconnected web of factors rather than relying on a single data point,” says Tracy Proverbs-Singh, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.

2. Myth: There Are Never Any Symptoms Until It’s Too Late

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to detect early because the organ is buried deep within the abdomen, where tumors cannot be felt, says Proverbs-Singh. But early warning signs can occur — they’re just often subtle and easily mistaken for common everyday ailments.

• Abdominal pain that spreads to the sides or the back
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes) that is painless
• Itching
• New onset of diabetes
• Fatigue and weakness

“Combined with a lack of a standard screening for the general public, this symptom overlap allows the disease to progress silently,” says Proverbs-Singh. “To stay vigilant, anyone experiencing these persistent, unexplained symptoms should advocate for themselves and request advanced imaging from their doctor rather than brushing them off.”

Pashtoon Kasi, MD, the medical director of gastrointestinal medical oncology at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, California, says anyone with a strong family history or an inherited genetic mutation associated with pancreatic cancer should ask their doctor whether genetic counseling and specialized surveillance are appropriate.

3. Myth: There’s Nothing You Can Do to Prevent Pancreatic Cancer

• Older age (over 65)
• Male sex
• African American heritage
• Type 2 diabetes or chronic pancreatitis

“Ultimately, while people cannot change their genetic predispositions, race, or age, they can actively reduce their overall risk by abstaining from tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, and effectively managing chronic health conditions,” says Proverbs-Singh.

4. Myth: Pancreatic Cancer Isn’t Treatable

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat, but that doesn’t mean it’s not treatable at all.

“Pancreatic cancer is treatable, although the best approach depends on the stage, whether the tumor can be surgically removed, its molecular characteristics, and the patient’s overall health,” says Dr. Kasi.

And even when pancreatic cancer cannot be cured, treatment may help control the disease, relieve symptoms, and help people live longer and better,” says Kasi.

5. Myth: Palliative Care Means Giving Up

“Because the disease carries a notoriously heavy symptom burden, palliative teams provide aggressive pain management, such as advanced medications and specialized nerve blocks, while offering essential digestive support through enzyme replacements, appetite stimulants, and anti-nausea medications to combat malnutrition and weight loss,” says Proverbs-Singh.

6. Myth: Clinical Trials Are a Last Resort

Clinical trials should not automatically be viewed as a last resort, says Kasi. “Depending on the study, they may be an option at different stages of pancreatic cancer, including soon after diagnosis,” he says. “Some trials are specifically designed for people who have not yet received treatment.”

Kasi encourages patients to ask about clinical trials early and whenever treatment decisions are being made. “Eligibility can depend on cancer stage, previous treatments, overall health, and specific genetic or molecular features of the tumor,” he says.