Pancreatic cancer starts in the cell tissues of the pancreas. Located between the stomach and the spine, the pancreas has two main functions: to produce juices that help digestion of food and to produce hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, that help control blood sugar levels and energy storage. The digestive juices are produced by exocrine pancreatic cells and the hormones are produced by endocrine pancreatic cells.

About 95% of pancreatic cancers are exocrine tumors that develop from ductal and acinar cells. Pancreatic endocrine tumors are discussed under neuroendocrine tumors (NET). The text below pertains to pancreatic exocrine tumours only.

Although pancreatic cancer is only the 12^th most diagnosed type of cancer, it is the fifth deadliest amongst Canadians. The relative 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer in Canada is estimated at 6%.  Prognosis is poor because the disease is often advanced at the time of diagnosis.

It has been estimated that for the year 2011, 4,000 new pancreatic cancer diagnoses would be made in Canada and 3,800 Canadians would die from the disease; 49% men for 51% women.

This section is still in construction. Please come back shortly for a more complete description of the disease.

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