Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive type of cancer that affects many people around the world. Screening for pancreatic cancer is important as it can help catch this type of cancer early, leading to better long-term health outcomes. Read this article for everything you need to know regarding pancreatic cancer screenings and who can benefit most.
People with certain risk factors can benefit from more regular pancreatic cancer screenings. Certain factors put people at a greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. These include:[1]
If you or someone you know has these risk factors, having more frequent pancreatic cancer screening may be advised. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Screening for pancreatic cancer is important, especially if you are showing signs and symptoms. Some common signs of pancreatic cancer can be:[2]
It can be helpful to be aware of the signs and symptoms to know how frequently screening for pancreatic cancer may be needed.
Pancreatic cancer screening guidelines may look different from person to person, depending on what your healthcare professional thinks is best for you. Typically, several processes can be used to screen for pancreatic cancer. Some of these include:[3]
Since pancreatic cancer is aggressive, screening is important for early detection and, in some cases, prevention. Routine screening can be performed (often via blood tests and imaging) for individuals who are considered at increased risk to help find pancreatic cancer early. This can significantly help longevity outcomes.[4]
If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, it is important to undergo routine pancreatic cancer hereditary screening for early detection and prevention. Certain genes can run in families that can increase your risk of getting pancreatic cancer. If you believe that you are at a greater risk due to family history, consult your healthcare provider for guidance and routine screening.
It is also worth noting that pancreatic cancer is often not found early due to a lack of general routine testing for people who are not considered high risk. Additionally, testing is usually not completed until symptoms appear. Since the pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, sometimes symptoms do not present until the cancer has spread significantly.[5] This is why advocating for appropriate testing can be beneficial, particularly for those at increased risk.
There are no universal screening tests available for pancreatic cancer. There are surveillance programs that you can discuss participating in with your healthcare provider, which may aid in early detection efforts.[5] In addition, being aware of relevant biomarkers and having regular and routine lab work completed can be helpful. It is worth noting that screening may result in false positives, so people should engage with this testing knowing all possible outcomes.
Because recommendations vary, it is best to consult your healthcare provider for their recommendation on when you should be screened for pancreatic cancer. In general, it is recommended that:[6]
There have been cancer screening blood tests developed recently that can sometimes be done from the comfort of your own home, which may be helpful in the broader context of cancer screening.[7] Certain proteins in the blood can be detected that may signify early-stage cancers, including pancreatic cancer. While these tests should not be used as a diagnostic measure, they can help indicate next steps, and follow-up testing with a healthcare provider is necessary.
It is noteworthy that no validated, FDA-approved at-home screening test exists that is specific to pancreatic cancer. The Galleri test is not specific to pancreatic cancer and is not a diagnostic tool.
Since routine and regular screening is not typically offered for those who are not considered high risk, at-home multi-cancer early detection options may offer a way for some people to be more proactive with screening and testing. One of these testing options is the Galleri test, which screens for many cancers and may detect signals before people become symptomatic.[7] While some multi-cancer early detection tests like Galleri can be initiated at home, they are not specific to pancreatic cancer and are not currently recommended as standard screening tools. Always follow up with a healthcare provider for formal evaluation and diagnosis.
Cancer is a devastating disease that affects many people. Everlywell offers several at-home testing options that can help you monitor key aspects of your health, stay on top of preventive care, and have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider. Taking a proactive approach with at-home lab testing and regular medical follow-up can be one step toward caring for your long-term health.