During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November, let’s change the conversation about pancreatic cancer.

It starts with awareness.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest common cancers in Australia. It is often diagnosed too late, when treatment options are limited. Knowing the signs, symptoms and risk factors can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes.

Take our quick awareness quiz to test your knowledge of pancreatic cancer in Australia.

Recognising the symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Knowing the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can help with early detection and earlier access to treatment.

But pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages as the symptoms are like other stomach issues that are much less serious.

Symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Feeling tired

  • Stomach or mid-back pain

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Change in bowel habits

Other symptoms include new-onset diabetes, loss of appetite, jaundice, and indigestion. You can download our symptoms checklist here.

Facts about pancreatic cancer in Australia

4,825

In 2025, an estimated 4,825 Australians were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

4,039

In 2025, an estimated 4,039 Australians died from pancreatic cancer.

14%

Pancreatic cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 14% in Australia.

Five years of impact by the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth

Since 2021, the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth has offered practical, evidence-based tools to support investigation, education and referral.

More than 1,000 referrals and 16,000 clinical visits have connected patients and families with specialist, coordinated support. Molecular testing has helped more than 230 patients explore treatment options informed by the biology of their cancer.

APRISE - a national screening program established by the Centre – now makes surveillance accessible for people at increased risk of pancreatic cancer at 34 locations across Australia. Nearly 400 participants have contributed to our research and clinical trials, helping test promising new approaches while potentially accessing emerging treatments.

Together, more than 50 studies and trials delivered by our Centre are building knowledge with an aim to improve diagnosis, care and outcomes.

Philanthropic support by many supporters makes all this progress possible, helping turn research into real opportunities for patients today and into hope for generations to come.

Get involved during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Throughout November, we will share stories about the impact of the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth, as well as information and resources to change the conversation about pancreatic cancer.

Our team will also be hosting activations at Epworth hospitals on the following dates. Come along and say hello, grab a coffee voucher, take our quiz and go into the draw to win a prize.

  • Epworth Freemasons and Epworth Camberwell: Monday 16 November

  • Epworth Eastern: Tuesday 17 November

  • Epworth Richmond and Epworth Geelong: Thursday 19 November