Pancreatic Cancer: Overview
Subtitle: What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the pancreas, an organ located in the abdomen. The pancreas produces digestive juices and hormones that regulate blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition, and it is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Subtitle: How Common is Pancreatic Cancer?
In the United States, pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer, accounting for about 3% of all cancers. It is estimated that in 2020, approximately 57,600 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 47,050 people will die from the disease.
Subtitle: How Often is Pancreatic Cancer Fatal?
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is often fatal. The five-year survival rate, which measures the percentage of people who survive at least five years after being diagnosed with the disease, is only 9%. This is because pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the disease is more difficult to treat. The five-year survival rate for localized pancreatic cancer, which has not spread to other parts of the body, is significantly higher at 37%.
