What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer starts in the cells of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland that lies behind your stomach deep in the upper part of the abdomen.

The pancreas is part of the digestive system. Digestive juices made by the pancreas flow down a tube in the centre of the pancreas called the pancreatic duct. The pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct, which carries bile from the liver. The common bile duct then empties into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The pancreatic juices and bile help further digest food in the duodenum after food has left the stomach.

The pancreas is also part of the hormonal system and makes insulin and other hormones. Hormones made in the pancreas enter the bloodstream and help your body use or store the energy (sugar and fat) from the food you eat.

Most pancreatic cancers start in the ducts that carry pancreatic juices. Pancreatic cancer that starts in the cells that make hormones (called islet cell cancer) is rare. For information about islet cell cancer, contact our Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939‑3333.

Last modified on: 09 December 2009