Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies due to its largely unknown etiology, the lack of population-based screening and early detection, and a dismal prognosis.

KEY FACTS

• The 4th leading cause of cancer death, after lung, colorectal, and stomach (2017)
• Incidence:  40617 in 2016 (Source: National Cancer Registry data)
• Mortality:   35390 in 2018 (Source: Vital Statistics)
• Established lifestyle-related risk factor: cigarette smoking, history of type-II diabetes
• Suggested etiological factors: obesity, ABO blood type
• Population-based screening: not implemented
• 5-year survival rate: 7.9% (Male); 7.5% (Female)