Pancreatic Cancer Screening

Who should be screened for pancreatic cancer?

[Screening for Pancreatic Cancer May Benefit People at High Risk
Regular imaging tests may help detect the disease early and help patients live longer.](https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2024/pancreatic-cancer-surveillance)

There are no standard screening tests to check for pancreatic cancer, and screening for pancreatic cancer is not recommended for people at average risk. However, people who are at increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer should undergo screening.

You are considered at increased risk of pancreatic cancer if you have:

A family history of pancreatic cancer

If you have two or more close family members—such as a parent, sibling, or child—diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you have a significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer and other cancers and should undergo genetic counseling and screening. Pancreatic cancer also occurs at an earlier age in people with a family history of the disease.

Genetic test results show if you were born with a change in certain genes that increase your risk of developing pancreatic or other cancers. Even if genetic testing does not show that you have a change in one of these genes, current guidance suggests that you should still be screened for pancreatic cancer.

Learn more about Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Risk and Pancreatic Cancer Causes & Risk Factors.

Pancreatic lesions found by accident

Imaging tests, especially CT scans, done for other medical reasons may uncover abnormal areas of the pancreas by accident. This is called an incidentally discovered lesion. These lesions are often cysts, and most do not carry an elevated risk of becoming pancreatic cancer. If you have an incidentally discovered pancreatic lesion, you will receive screening tests—usually CT scans—to monitor the lesion for changes and to intervene before it becomes dangerous. Sometimes, fluid from the cyst must be removed and examined under a microscope to figure out whether it could become cancer.

Screening tests for people at increased risk of pancreatic cancer

Talk with your doctor about screening if you think you are at increased risk of pancreatic cancer. You may be able to access screening tests at a cancer care center near you. Tests used to screen for pancreatic cancer include:

Computed tomography (CT scan)

A CT scan (CAT scan) uses a computer linked to an x-ray machine to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are taken from different angles and are used to create 3-D views of tissues and organs. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.

CT scans are the most commonly used screening tests for pancreatic cancer.

Learn more about Computed Tomography (CT) Scans and Cancer.

Endoscopic ultrasound

An endoscopic ultrasound uses high-energy sound waves to make pictures of the pancreas and look for abnormal areas. During this procedure, an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and guided into the stomach and first part of the small intestine. A probe at the end of the endoscope emits sound waves to make the picture. The endoscope can also remove a sample of tissue from abnormal areas or fluid from cysts to check whether they are high risk for becoming cancer. This procedure is also called endosonography.

MRI or MRCP

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a type of MRI that can make detailed pictures of the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreas, and pancreatic duct to check for abnormal areas.

What are the benefits and harms of pancreatic cancer screening?

Cancer screening can have both benefits and harms. The benefit of pancreatic cancer screening is that finding pancreatic cancer by screening before it causes symptoms means treatment can start earlier and potentially be more effective leading to better outcomes.

The potential harms of pancreatic cancer screening include:

• False-positive results. A false-positive is a screening test result that shows an abnormal finding when no cancer is present. False-positive results can lead to unnecessary anxiety and additional invasive procedures that carry risks and can themselves cause harm.
• Overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Some abnormal or precancerous lesions found during screening may not cause problems during your lifetime and would not need treatment. Finding these cancers earlier may not improve your health or help you live longer but will expose you to the harms of treatment.
• Delayed diagnosis due to false-negative results. A false-negative is a screening test result that shows a normal finding when cancer is present. False-negative results may delay diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical trials for pancreatic cancer screening

If you are at increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer, you may be able to access screening through a clinical trial. Use the clinical trial search to find NCI-supported clinical trials that are accepting participants. The search allows you to filter trials based on the type of cancer, your age, where the trials are being done, and what type of trial you are looking for (screening, prevention, or treatment). Pancreatic cancer screening trials supported by other organizations can be found at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Learn more about clinical trials, including how to find and join one, at Cancer Clinical Trial Information for Patients and Caregivers.

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