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I want to know the symptoms I have pancreatic cancer Someone I know has pancreatic cancer

How can I help with my family member’s symptoms?

It can help to understand about your loved one’s symptoms, how to manage them and who to ask for help.

Not everyone with pancreatic cancer will have the same symptoms or side effects from treatments. Common symptoms include problems with digestion and eating, pain, diabetes, fatigue and bowel problems like constipation and diarrhoea.

There are ways to manage most symptoms and improve your family member’s daily life. We have detailed information about how symptoms are managed.

How can I help?

  • If your family member has any symptoms or side effects, speak to their doctor or nurse for help managing them.
  • Ask the doctor or nurse who to call if you are worried about any symptoms.
  • Ask about a prescription of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) if your family member hasn’t been given this. This can help with digestion and make a big difference to how they feel.
  • If your family member is having trouble with eating and digesting food, they may find it easier to eat smaller amounts more often. Regular snacks may help. We have more diet tips.
  • There are things that can help with fatigue. For example, gentle activity can help but it’s also important your family member rests when they need to.
  • Ask whether you can help with things like household chores and organising medical appointments. This can help them save their energy for things they enjoy.
  • Relaxation techniques and gentle exercise can help with feelings of anxiety and depression. Help your family member to find things they enjoy doing.
  • Be aware of symptoms that need urgent attention, such as an infection during chemotherapy, a stent infection, jaundice or blood clot in a vein.

Questions to ask the doctor or nurse

What can help with my family member’s symptoms?

What can I do to help manage their symptoms?

How can I support them to eat well?

Are there treatments, like pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, that would help their symptoms?

Who do we contact if we need to speak to someone in an emergency, or out of normal hospital hours?

Are there other specialists who can help manage their symptoms? For example, a dietitian or palliative care specialist?

Read more about managing symptoms and side effects

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Female Doctor giving medication to a male patient

Symptoms towards the end of life

If  your family member is approaching the end of their life, their care will focus on managing their symptoms and supporting them to be as comfortable as possible.

When someone is in the last few months or weeks of their life, their symptoms may change, or they may get new symptoms. Some people want to know what to expect – but not everyone will. If you or your family member do, speak to the doctor or nurse. They will be able to talk to you about your loved one’s situation, let you know what symptoms to expect and how you can get support in managing them.

Read more about caring for someone at the end of their life

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Nurse talking to older female patient in a hospital bed
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"We didn't really know what to expect in terms of symptoms at different stages. It seems the nature and progression of symptoms like pain varies with every patient."

More resources

Get practical information to help you care for someone with pancreatic cancer

Read more

Get support from our specialist nurses

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Download or order our free booklet for families

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May 2024

To be reviewed May 2027