When is chemotherapy recommended for pancreatic cancer?

The team looks at whether the tumour can be removed, its relationship to nearby blood vessels, whether lymph nodes or distant organs are involved, the cancer type, symptoms and your general health. Chemotherapy before surgery may shrink or control a tumour and help clarify whether an operation is suitable. After surgery, it may address cells left behind that are too small to detect. If surgery is not possible or the disease has spread, systemic treatment may slow growth and relieve symptoms. Selected people may receive chemotherapy with radiotherapy or another medicine.

Ask the pancreatic cancer team to explain the scan findings, treatment aim and whether surgery is being considered now or later. Discuss jaundice, pain, digestion, weight loss and blood sugar because these may need active support. A dietitian, pancreatic enzyme replacement or bile drainage may be relevant for some people. Review liver and kidney function, current medicines, diabetes care, alcohol use and plans for work or travel before treatment.

Seek urgent care for yellowing that rapidly worsens, fever with chills, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, confusion, fainting, black stools or difficulty breathing. During chemotherapy, report fever immediately and contact the team for reduced urine, uncontrolled diarrhoea, bleeding or sudden weakness. These symptoms can reflect infection, blocked bile flow, dehydration, bleeding or a treatment complication.

Is my tumour removable now, or could treatment change that? Is chemotherapy intended before surgery, after surgery or for control? How will jaundice, digestion and nutrition be managed? Which warning signs require urgent contact?