How does pancreatic cancer affect digestion and nutrition?

What's in the 'Diet and pancreatic cancer' information section?

The pancreas produces enzymes that help to break down food. This is part of digestion. Nutrients from the food can then be absorbed into the blood and used by the body. Different pancreatic enzymes help to break down foods containing fat, protein and carbohydrate.

How does pancreatic cancer affect digestion?

Pancreatic cancer, or surgery to remove the cancer, can reduce the number of enzymes that your pancreas makes.
It can also block the enzymes from getting to the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) where they are needed for digestion. For example, the cancer can block the pancreatic duct, which carries the enzymes from the pancreas to the duodenum.
This is called pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI).
It means that food is not properly digested, and the nutrients are not absorbed. This is called malabsorption. It can cause symptoms like weight loss.
It can be managed with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).

The pancreas and surrounding organs

The organs within the tummy are shown together. The liver and gallbladder are on the left, in front of the stomach. The pancreas sits just behind the bottom of the stomach, pointing out to the right, with the tip of its tail behind the spleen and the duodenum curving in a C shape around the pancreas head. The bile duct (from the gallbladder) and the pancreatic duct both empty into the duodenum.

Join a webinar: Pancreatic cancer, diet and you

Your diet and the food you eat play an important part in your life. But what do you do when you have pancreatic cancer? Whether you’ve been diagnosed yourself or are supporting a loved one, join our online session on Tuesday 20th May to hear from a dietitian and two of our specialist nurses. They’ll talk about common symptoms you may experience linked to your diet and digestion. You’ll learn why these symptoms happen and tips to help you manage them, including foods to eat or avoid.

Find out more and book your place