A charity is encouraging everyone to check their risk level for a lethal type of cancer with an easy test. Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed in 10,786 individuals a year on average.

Tragically, it claims the lives of 9,558 people annually, with over 70% succumbing within a year of being diagnosed. Just one in 10 survive to the five-year mark and 5% – or one in 20 – live for a decade.

This disease can be hard to spot with few early signs. But Pancreatic Cancer UK emphasises that early detection dramatically enhances survival odds.

The organisation points out: “Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in the early stages. As the cancer grows, it may start to cause symptoms.

“The symptoms may not be specific to pancreatic cancer and they may come and go to begin with. This can make pancreatic cancer hard to diagnose.”

The charity is now urging people to complete a quick quiz involving just three questions to help assess any family risks, reports Surrey Live. They say: “Detecting pancreatic cancer early could save your, or a loved one’s life.

“Answer three quick questions to check your risk today.” The test advises: “While most cases of pancreatic cancer do not run in families, some can be inherited. Find out if you and your family may be at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.”

Participants are requested to provide information about their family’s history with the disease and any other health conditions that could potentially influence the outcome. Based on their responses, they may be eligible for cancer monitoring.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas multiply uncontrollably, creating a lump known as a tumour, lesion or mass. There are various forms of pancreatic cancer, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma being the most prevalent.

Neuroendocrine cancers are less common and exhibit different behaviours and treatment approaches. These are often referred to as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours or NETs.

While there are often no early symptoms there are some signs to watch for. These include:

The charity warns symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be elusive in the early stages, but there are certain signs to look out for. It advises: “If you have jaundice, go to your GP or A&E straight away. If you have any of the other symptoms and you don’t know why you have them, go to your GP or contact NHS 111.”

It further suggests providing a detailed description of your symptoms to the GP or NHS 1112, including any unusual occurrences, regardless of their perceived relevance. The charity warns: “Someone with pancreatic cancer may not have all the symptoms listed here, and symptoms can vary for each person.”

It emphasised: “It’s important to remember that the signs and symptoms listed here can be caused by more common things or health conditions. These include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), stomach ulcer, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). They can also sometimes be signs of other cancers, so you should always get them checked out.

“If you are feeling unwell and you have any of these symptoms, speak to your GP to check if there is anything wrong. It’s important to remember that having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have pancreatic cancer, but you should get them checked out.

“If your symptoms get worse or you develop any new symptoms, you should always see your GP. If your symptoms don’t improve, ask your GP for tests to find out if there is any condition causing them. You could keep a diary of your symptoms to show the GP.”

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