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Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Pancreatic cancer arises when cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumours. The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, behind the stomach, and has two important functions: producing digestive enzymes to help break down food, and releasing hormones such as insulin to regulate blood sugar.
Because of its location and the lack of obvious early warning signs, pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late. This makes it one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with outcomes closely tied to how early the disease is detected.
According to GLOBOCAN 2020, there were around 1,013 new cases and 1,003 deaths from pancreatic cancer annually in Malaysia. Although it is less common than breast, lung, or colorectal cancer, it is one of the most aggressive cancers, with survival rates remaining low worldwide due to late presentation and limited treatment options.
Early pancreatic cancer may cause no or only vague symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients may notice:
Diagnosis usually involves several steps:
Early and accurate diagnosis is key to determining whether surgery is possible.
While the exact causes remain unclear, certain factors may raise risk:
Protective factors include childbirth, breastfeeding, and use of oral contraceptives, which may lower the risk.
The most common type, accounting for about 90% of cases
Arise from hormone-producing cells, less common but may grow more slowly
Cancer is confined to the pancreas
Cancer spreads to nearby tissues or lymph nodes
Tumour involves major blood vessels or extensive lymph nodes
Cancer spreads (metastasises) to distant organs, most often the liver or lungs
Treatment depends on the stage, location of the tumour, and patient’s overall health:
At OncoCare Malaysia, patients may also be offered access to regional clinical trials, which provide opportunities to benefit from new drugs and combination treatments.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with outcomes depending greatly on how early it is detected, the stage of disease, and a patient’s overall health. When surgery is possible, survival rates improve significantly. In advanced cases, treatment often focuses on slowing progression, relieving symptoms, and supporting quality of life.
At OncoCare Malaysia, conversations about prognosis are approached with care and clarity. Our specialists take the time to explain what the diagnosis means, outline realistic treatment options, and guide patients and their families in making informed decisions. Every patient is supported with compassion and respect, ensuring their care plan is as individual as their journey.
While pancreatic cancer remains difficult to treat, research and innovation are bringing new possibilities. Advances in surgery, chemotherapy combinations, and targeted therapies are steadily improving outcomes. With ongoing global and regional clinical trials, patients today have access to more options than ever before.
At OncoCare Malaysia, our multidisciplinary team includes oncologists specialising in gastrointestinal cancers, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons experienced in advanced resections, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Supported by oncology nurses, dietitians, psycho-oncology counsellors, and rehabilitation specialists, they work together to deliver a personalised care plan for every patient.
