What You Should Know About Pancreatic Cancer

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on one of the most challenging cancers and empower our community with knowledge. At Overlake, we believe that awareness leads to earlier detection, better outcomes and hope. 

Here are the top things to know:

What Is the Pancreas?
The pancreas is a vital organ in your upper abdomen, behind the stomach. It helps with:

• Digesting food through enzymes.
• Regulating blood sugar with hormones like insulin and glucagon.
• It’s made up of two types of cells:
• Exocrine cells: Make digestive juices (where most pancreatic cancers begin).
• Endocrine cells: Make hormones (like insulin).

What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer begins when normal cells in the pancreas change and grow uncontrollably. There are two main types:

• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC): The most common type (95% of cases)
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs): Less common, may produce hormones

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Why Is It Often Found Late?
Pancreatic cancer typically doesn’t cause symptoms early on. By the time symptoms appear — like jaundice, weight loss, or abdominal pain — the cancer may have already spread.

Is It Genetic?
Most cases are sporadic, but some are linked to inherited mutations like BRCA1/2, ATM, CDKN2A, PALB2, or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. If you have a family history of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, genetic counseling is recommended.

If you aren’t sure if you may be eligible, Overlake's High-Risk Cancer Surveillance Program uses CancerIQ, a risk-assessment platform, to help us identify individuals at an elevated risk for hereditary cancer. The questionnaire is easy to complete, and your results are available immediately. Surveillance and prevention are vital for anyone at a higher risk for hereditary cancers including breast, ovarian, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma, endometrial and prostate cancers.

Can It Be Prevented or Detected Early?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, you can reduce your risk by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.
• Managing chronic pancreatitis or diabetes.

How Is It Diagnosed?
There’s no routine screening for the general population. Most diagnoses happen through imaging (CT or MRI) when symptoms arise or during unrelated exams.  However, patients with an inherited predisposition or gene mutation may be eligible for screening.

What Should You Do?
If you notice symptoms or have a family history, first talk to your primary care provider. They can guide you on next steps, including screening or genetic testing.

Protect Yourself – Learn Your Risk Today

Knowledge is power. Take a short survey that will ask you the basic information about your personal and family cancer history. The personal health information you provide is confidential and only accessible by you and Overlake Medical Center. If the survey indicates you are at risk, call to schedule a consult with our high-risk clinic. If you have questions, please call 425-635-3400.

Take Risk Assessment Survey