If you are at a high risk for pancreatic cancer due to your family history or genetic predisposition, your doctor may order blood work or refer you to a gastroenterologist for annual screening as a preventive measure. Two types of tests commonly used are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasound.

MRI – Your doctor will use advanced imaging equipment to take an MRI of your abdomen in order to look at your pancreas and other organs.

Endoscopic ultrasound – An endoscopic ultrasound can detect small pancreatic tumors that could be missed with an MRI. An endoscopic ultrasound is a thin tube with a camera at the end that is passed through the mouth and into the stomach. The ultrasound probe at the end allows imaging of the pancreas, stomach and small intestine.

If necessary, an ultrasound-guided biopsy (tissue sample) from the pancreas is taken. The procedure typically lasts about 15-30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.

Yes, pancreatic cancer can be curable, depending on the type and how soon you receive treatment. Early diagnosis can improve your treatment options and outcomes.

Survival rates vary, depending on your overall health, age and response to treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year relative survival rate of pancreatic cancer (percentage of people alive five years after diagnosis) is 12.8%. 

The primary reason for the low survival rate is due to a lack of noticeable symptoms until later stages when the cancer has already spread (metastasized) to other organs and areas in the body.

No, pancreatic cancer is not contagious. You cannot “catch” pancreatic cancer from someone else, nor can you pass the cancer on to someone else.