18th November 2021
Potential pitfall:
Diabetes, especially Type 2, is common among the general population. However, unexplained new-onset diabetes should be investigated as a possible indicator of pancreatic cancer. It is also important to ask patients about other symptoms of pancreatic cancer such as steatorrhea, back pain and weight loss.
Helpful hint:
NICE NG12 guidelines recommend an urgent direct access CT scan (to be performed within 2 weeks), or an urgent ultrasound scan if CT is not available, to assess for pancreatic cancer in people aged 60 and over with weight loss and new-onset diabetes.
Cancer Keys are brought to you by GatewayC.
Find out more:
- Access GatewayC’s ‘Pancreatic Cancer – Early Diagnosis’ course here