There are different types of pancreatic cancer. The most common type of pancreatic cancer are:

• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) – These cancerous tumours start within the exocrine cells of the pancreas that produces the digestive enzymes.
• Neuroendocrine regulate of the pancreas – Extremely rare occurring in 1:100,000 persons.
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) – occurs in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer vary depending on the type of disease and can be quite vague as the symptoms tend to be persistent. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain that radiates to the back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Indigestion
• Difficulty swallowing
• Recently diagnosed diabetes

The known risk factors for pancreatic cancer inclusive of:

• Age
• Gender
• Family history
• Genetic syndromes

The common health risk factors inclusive of:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking cigarettes