Unfortunately, at present there isn't a simple and reliable screening test that is able to detect cancer of the pancreas at an early stage. Until such a test is discovered a national screening programme cannot be set up for this cancer.

Research is going on to try to find reliable methods of screening. There is a particular need for screening for people at higher risk of developing cancer of the pancreas. So, if you are at higher risk you may be offered regular screening as part of ongoing clinical trials. These trials use a combination of tests, such as blood tests, endoscopy, CT and MRI scans.

Reference

• Pancreatic section of the British Society of Gastroenterology. Guidelines for the management of patients with pancreatic cancer periampullary and ampullary carcinomas. Gut 2005;54(SupplV):v1-v16.