What is pain and what causes it?

What is pain?

Many people with pancreatic cancer have pain at some stage. But pain can be managed, so ask for help as early as you can. Read about treatments for pain.

Everyone experiences pain differently. People sometimes think of pain as something they only feel in their body. But your mind and body work together and influence each other.

This means that your emotions, your relationships with people and your beliefs can affect how you feel and react to pain. For example, your pain may seem worse at times when you have a lot to cope with, or when you don’t feel you are getting the support you need. Your pain may also be worse when you are tired.

Find out more about dealing with pain.

What causes pancreatic cancer pain?

The cancer and some treatments can cause pain.

How does pancreatic cancer cause pain?

• The cancer can press on a bundle of nerves called the coeliac plexus, which is near the pancreas. This causes pain in the tummy or back. Painkillers or a nerve block may help with this.
• The cancer can also cause pain by blocking the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) or causing a build-up of fluid (ascites). If the cancer has spread, it can cause pain in other parts of the body.
• The pancreas plays an important role in digesting food. Pancreatic cancer can affect this, and cause symptoms including tummy discomfort or pain, cramps, wind and bloating. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) can help manage these symptoms.

How do cancer treatments cause pain?

• Some people may have surgery to remove the cancer, or to treat a blocked duodenum or bile duct. The bile duct is a tube that takes bile (a fluid) from the liver to the small intestine. It is normal to have some pain and discomfort for a few weeks after surgery. This is managed with painkillers and will improve.
• A stent is a small tube that opens a blocked bile duct or duodenum. It is used to treat symptoms such as jaundice or sickness. You may have tummy pain for a few days after the stent is put in. This can be managed with painkillers and will improve.
• Chemotherapy can sometimes have uncomfortable or painful side effects. These include peripheral neuropathy, which causes pain, or tingling in your hands or feet. Chemotherapy can also cause a sore mouth, or joint and muscle pain. Tell your doctor or nurse about side effects.
• Constipation is when you find it harder to poo. This can be very uncomfortable or painful. Some medicines including opioid painkillers and anti-sickness medicines can cause constipation. There are ways to manage it, including medicines called laxatives.

What does it mean if my pain gets worse?

If you get any new pain or your pain gets worse, you may be worried that this means the cancer is growing, but this isn’t always the case.

Talk to your doctor or nurse about your worries. They can help you understand what your pain means, and help you deal with it. The sooner your pain is treated, the better the chances of getting it under control.

Metastatic spinal cord compression

Sometimes the cancer can spread to the bones in the spine or tissues around the spinal cord and can press on the spinal cord. This is called metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). It is rare but is serious and needs urgent medical attention. Symptoms can include pain in your back or neck or numbness in your arms, legs or around your bottom. It can also cause problems controlling when you poo or pee (incontinence).

It’s important that you contact your medical team, GP or go to A&E straight away if you have these symptoms.

Your feelings and beliefs

Many things can affect the way you feel pain, including:

• how you feel about dealing with pain
• stress and worry
• feeling tired
• depression
• your spiritual or religious beliefs
• your relationships with other people, like your family, friends or medical team.

There are things that can help you deal with the emotional effects of pain and pancreatic cancer.

Updated April 2025

To be reviewed April 2028