Can I Be Checked for Pancreatic Cancer Before I Have Symptoms?
Screening tests check for disease in people who don’t have symptoms. There are no recommended screening tests for pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer has been called a “silent” disease. This is because it does not have many symptoms until the cancer has spread to other organs. The early symptoms may be very vague and not specific to the pancreas (such as back pain). For that reason, it takes a while for many people with pancreatic cancer to get a diagnosis.
If you have symptoms related to pancreatic cancer, your doctor will do a series of tests to see if the symptoms are from cancer or from something else.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marcellin, Lindsey MD, MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stump-Sutliff, Kim RN, MSN, AOCNS
Last Annual Review Date:
2/1/2011
© 2012 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.