Pancreatic cancer

Published 20 February 2019

The pancreas is a small organ located inside the abdomen at the back. It produces enzymes that help to digest food in the gut. It also produces hormones, including insulin which helps to control blood sugar levels. 

Pancreatic cancer starts when cells in the pancreas become abnormal and grow out of control. 

There are two main forms of pancreatic cancer. Exocrine cancers start in the cells that produce digestive enzymes. Neuroendocrine cancers start in the cells that produces hormones.

Incidence and mortality data is currently available up until 2015.

View more about how the above incidence, mortality and survival was calculated and data sources used.