Just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer?

A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can feel overwhelming. You probably have lots of questions and worries, and it can be hard to take everything in. We have information about pancreatic cancer, plus practical tips and ways to get support. We’re here for you. 

What happens next after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis?

• You may have had several different tests to diagnose pancreatic cancer. You may need more to work out the stage of the cancer. You will need to have a biopsy to confirm your diagnosis before having some treatments, including chemotherapy or clinical trials. 

• Your medical team will talk to you about your treatment options. It’s a good idea to have someone with you at this appointment, to support you and help you remember the conversation. It can also be helpful to write down your questions before an appointment.  

• There may be a gap between your diagnosis and starting treatment. The waiting and uncertainty can be very hard. We are here to help. 

• You should be given the details of a key contact who can support you and answer your questions. This may be a nurse called a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). If you haven’t been given a key contact, ask the doctor who to contact with questions.  

• Tell your medical team about any symptoms you have, as they can help manage them. Managing symptoms can improve how you feel, both physically and emotionally. 

• Pancreatic cancer can cause problems with digestion. Taking pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) when you eat can help with digestion. If you are not prescribed PERT but have digestion symptoms, speak to your doctor or nurse about it. 

Can pancreatic cancer be treated?

• To work out the best treatment for you, your doctors will look at your scans to work out the type of pancreatic cancer you have and the stage of the cancer.  

• If the cancer is contained in the pancreas, you may be able to have surgery to remove it. Read more about cancer that can be removed by surgery. 

• If the cancer has spread outside the pancreas, surgery may not be possible. You may be able to have treatments that aim to control the cancer and help you live longer, such as chemotherapy. Read about inoperable cancer. 

What can I do if I’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer?

• Our specialist nurses can help with what happens next. They are experts in pancreatic cancer, and are here to guide you.  

• Ask your medical team, doctors or your nurse any questions you have about your diagnosis, treatment options and the possible side effects.  

• Being told you have pancreatic cancer can feel devastating. Get support. Talk to someone about how you are feeling. Family and friends may be a good support. But sometimes, talking to family is hard. You can connect with others affected by pancreatic cancer through our online community, Circles. 

• If you want more information but are feeling overwhelmed, you could sign up to our Information and support emails. The emails will guide you through key information in bitesize chunks, tailored to your diagnosis.  
• Get support with work and money issues and find out about financial support you might be entitled to. Sorting out any practical issues may help reduce worries.

Published March 2026

To be reviewed March 2029