Treatment for pancreatic cancer

There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your physical and mental health when preparing for treatment. In the hospital, preparing for treatment is also called prehabilitation or prehab.

The main treatments for pancreatic cancer include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and treatment to control symptoms. Find out how your doctor decides which treatment you can have.

The type of surgery you have depends on where the cancer is in your pancreas. Find out about the different types of surgery for pancreatic cancer, what happens before surgery and what to expect afterwards.

Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for pancreatic cancer. Find out about when you might have it, the types of chemotherapy drugs,  how you have it and possible side effects.

Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. You may have it on its own or with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy). Find out about the different types of radiotherapy and when you might have it.

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Find out about treatments to control the symptoms of advanced pancreatic cancer and what you can do to help yourself.

Doctors may use targeted cancer drugs or immunotherapy to help treat pancreatic cancer. Find out what these treatments are, and how and when you might have them.

You'll have follow up appointments and tests after treatment for pancreatic cancer.