Tips for talking to your GP about pancreatic cancer

You may be given an appointment with your GP or another health professional.

Before your appointment

1. Learn about symptoms

Read about the symptoms of pancreatic cancer so you have the facts.

2. Keep a symptoms diary

Note down:

• all the symptoms you have, even if you are not sure they are relevant
• when they started
• how often they happen
• anything that makes them better or worse.

During your appointment

3. Think about bringing someone with you

You could ask a friend or family member to come along. They can offer support, help remember what’s said, and take notes.

4. Give lots of detail about your symptoms

Give your GP clear and detailed information about your symptoms. For example, if you have pain tell them:

• where it is
• what it feels like
• how often you get it
• whether anything makes it better or worse.

Your symptoms diary can really help with this.

5. Don’t miss anything out

For example, if you have changes to your poo, tell your GP what’s going on. Is it runny, does it float, is it smellier than usual, has it changed colour? Don’t be embarrassed to go into detail. And remember to tell them if you have lost weight, and how much.

6. Be direct

Tell your GP that you are worried about pancreatic cancer and explain why.

7. Talk about risk factors

Tell your GP if you have any risk factors that might make you more likely to have pancreatic cancer. These include:

• smoking
• being overweight
• a family history of pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis
• a new diagnosis of diabetes.
• chronic pancreatitis.

8. Tests for pancreatic cancer

There is no single test for pancreatic cancer. Your GP may refer you for several scans or other tests. You might want to ask:

• what tests might I need?
• how long will I have to wait for the tests?
• how will I get my test results?
• if no tests are needed, why not?
• when should I come back if the symptoms don’t improve, or if I get new symptoms?

Being referred for tests does not mean that you have cancer.

Before the appointment ends, check with the GP that you’ve understood everything and that you know what will happen next.

If your symptoms don’t improve or you get new symptoms make sure you go back to the GP again. They will want to see you – you won’t be wasting their time.

Published February 2026

To be reviewed February 2029