Resources for Pancreatic Cancer Patients, Caregivers and Family Members

PALS (Patient and Liaison Services)

Our Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) program is here to help.  Contact PALS today for personalized information, support, and resources.  The PALS program is a comprehensive, free information service for pancreatic cancer patients, their families and health professionals.  By contacting PALS, you will receive live, one-on-one personal support and help from a dedicated, highly trained PALS Associate.  Now is the time to learn all you can about pancreatic cancer, diagnosis, treatment options and support resources. 

Your PALS Associate will provide you with the most current information to help you make informed decisions, including information about the disease, treatment options, specialists, clinical trials, support groups, diet, nutrition and much more.  All services and educational materials are provided at no charge. 

Contact PALS today

M-F 7am-5pm Pacific Time

Toll-free: 877-272-6226

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

To date, the PALS program has provided information and resources to more than 30,000 patients and families.  Let us help you!

Few Defined Risk Factors

Only a few risk factors for pancreatic cancer are well defined:

Family history:  A person's risk increases by two-to-three fold when a first degree relative is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 

Smoking: Risk increases by two-fold for smokers versus non-smokers.

Age: A person's risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age.

Race: A disproportionate number of African Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry: Pancreatic cancer is more common in Ashkenazi Jews than in the general population.

Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) has been linked to pancreatic cancer.  The reason for this assocation is not clear, but it is greatest in patients with inherited chronic pancreatitis. 

Diabetes: Adult-onset diabetes can be both a symptom of pancreatic cancer and a risk factor for developing the disease. 

Other risk factors under investigation include high-fat diet, obesity and lack of physical activity. 

Vague Symptoms

Many symptoms of pancreatic cancer are vague and could be attributed to many different conditions.  Symptoms include pain (usually abdominal or back pain), weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), loss of appetite, nausea, changes in stool and diabetes.