What is the pancreas and what does it do?

The pancreas is shaped like a fish with a head, body and tail. It lies deep within the abdominal cavity, below the stomach and is tucked into the curve of the duodenum that forms the first part of the small bowel.

It can be harder to see the pancreas on normal scans and it can be difficult to get access to it with normal camera tests.

The two major functions of the pancreas are:

  • It makes digestive enzymes to help you get the goodness out of your food;  
  • It controls the level of sugar in your blood by producing insulin.

When there is a problem in the pancreas, it can affect both of these functions.  

This may lead to:

  • becoming diabetic or if you already have diabetes, you may notice your blood sugars are more difficult to control
  • losing weight
  • your bowel motions are much softer and lighter in colour
  • having a type of diarrhoea called steatorrhea  

Your pancreas is not making or releasing enzymes into your gut every time you eat. As a result, your body can’t absorb the important nutrients from your food. In this case you will need to take Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Tablets (PERT).   

Early diagnosis saves lives

If you are having either of these problems, it would be very important to speak to your GP or a Specialist Nurse as soon as possible.

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when a malignant tumour forms in the pancreas. Pancreatic Cancer does not always follow the rules - it is a secretive cancer that grows very quietly. Sometimes, a cancer in the pancreas pretends to be another type of problem.

Some people do not have any symptoms at all until one day they wake up and look in the mirror and realise their skin or eyes have become yellow (jaundice).

This is one of the reasons why it is so important speak to your GP if you have any troublesome symptoms that are not helped by medications.

Pancreatic cancer fact file

  • In Northern Ireland approximately 260 people are diagnosed each year.
  • In the whole of the UK, approximately 10,000 people are newly diagnosed each year.
  • Pancreatic cancer affects men and women equally with incidence increasing from the age of 45.
  • The average age for men at diagnosis is 72, women is 74.
  • Survival from pancreatic cancer is strongly related to age at diagnosis with five-year survival decreasing as age increases.

We're here for you

Every Story Matters

All Stories