Pancreatic cancer is caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the pancreas.
Around half of all new cases are diagnosed in people aged 75 and over, and it is uncommon in people under the age of 40.
In the early stages of pancreatic cancer, symptoms usually aren’t present, making it difficult to diagnose.
However, symptoms will eventually begin to develop.
One of the first noticeable symptoms of the disease is your skin turning yellow, otherwise known as jaundice.
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Jaundice can also cause yellowing of the whites of the eyes and cause urine to be dark yellow or orange.
Faeces may also be pale-coloured, while the skin might get itchy.
Jaundice is caused by the build-up in the body of a yellow substance called bilirubin.
Aside from pancreatic cancer, it can be caused by pancreatitis – which is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period of time.
Having chronic pancreatitis over the long-term can, however, increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Jaundice can also be caused by gallstones, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis and sickle cell disease.
The other first noticeable symptoms of pancreatic cancer are unexpected weight loss, and pain in the back or stomach area.
Pain in the back and stomach may come and go at first, and is often worse when lying down or after eating.
Other possible symptoms include nausea and vomiting, changes in bowel movements – such as diarrhoea or constipation – and indigestion.
You may also develop blood clots if you have pancreatic cancer and a fever.
“It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, and aren’t usually the result of cancer,” said the NHS.
“But you should contact your GP if you’re concerned, or if these symptoms start suddenly.”
Pancreatic cancer can also cause symptoms of diabetes, because the tumour can stop the pancreas from producing insulin as it normally would.
In about one in 10 cases, pancreatic cancer is inherited.
It can also be caused by being very overweight, while around one in three cases are associated with smoking or chewing tobacco.