4 facts about pancreatic cancer in Canada

The projected 2024 pancreatic cancer statistics show how pancreatic cancer affects Canadians.

3 min. read

is one of the fastest-growing cancers with a poor prognosis. To understand how this , we’ll take a look at 4 key facts from the . This report estimates the number of new cases and deaths from pancreatic cancer.

1) Pancreatic cancer is often found when it's advanced and has spread to other areas of the body

Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t have obvious signs or symptoms in its early stages. When do appear, they can include indigestion, abdominal or back pain, and jaundice. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as pancreatic cancer, and it’s often found after the tumour has already spread. This can make it more difficult to treat.

The earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. See a healthcare provider if you are experiencing these symptoms.

A person in a hospital gown sitting on an exam table being examined by a doctor

2) In 2024, it is estimated that 7,100 Canadians will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

Out of those 7,100 Canadians, about 3,800 men will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and about 3,300 women will be diagnosed. To learn more about and related to pancreatic cancer, visit our page on .

Prognosis, the doctor’s best estimate of how the cancer will affect someone and how it will respond to treatment, and survival depend on many factors, including when and where in the body the cancer is found. To learn more about pancreatic cancer prognosis and survival, see our page on .

A doctor in an office taking the blood pressure of a person with cancer

3) Pancreatic cancer is expected to be the third leading cause of cancer death in 2024

6,100 Canadians are expected to die from pancreatic cancer in 2024 – more than deaths from breast or prostate cancer. For the past 35 years, the rate for pancreatic cancer has stayed mostly the same. This is largely because pancreatic cancer is often found late, leading to low survival rates. To improve survival, early detection and effective treatments are needed.

A doctor sitting in front of a person and writing on a clipboard

4) In Canada, the 5-year net survival for pancreatic cancer is 10%

This means that on average, about 10% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will live for at least 5 years. For pancreatic cancer, the rate sharply declines during the first 3 years after a diagnosis. To learn more, see our page on .

A doctor taking the blood pressure of a person with cancer at a table

Improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer has a long way to go, but your support can make a difference in the lives of people affected. Raising awareness and funding research can lead to early detection, more effective treatments and help improve survival rates. Together, we can change the future of pancreatic cancer.

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