Introduction to pancreatic cancer: part one – symptoms, risk factors and diagnosis (2025)

This course is suitable for all healthcare professionals interested in finding out about the symptoms, risk factors and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It is designed specifically for healthcare professionals with some or no experience of pancreatic cancer. It is also a good refresher for those with more experience.

• Knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer
• Knowledge and understanding of the risk factors of pancreatic cancer
• Knowledge and understanding of how pancreatic cancer is diagnosed and the staging of the cancer

You will receive a CPD certificate of completion at the end of course.

Our courses are mapped to the ACCEND framework. Find out more about ACCEND.

This course supports the following ACCEND Capabilities in Practice:

• 6.1 Provide information and advice appropriate to the needs, priorities and concerns of individuals
• 7.4 Access information from a range of resources, and use them to meet the individual needs of service users, translating clinically related topics into language which is understandable both for individuals to self-manage effectively and for the development of patient information
• 12.12 Demonstrate knowledge of tests and investigations commonly used in cancer care, including rationale for use and normal ranges of results
• 18.1 Recognise common symptoms and oncological emergencies
• 18.2 Assess and recognise treatment-related and disease related symptoms relevant to own area of practice, screen for all these symptoms
• 24.2 Engage in self-directed learning, critically reflecting on practice to maximise advanced clinical skills and knowledge, as well as own potential to lead and develop both care and services locally and regionally.

• How pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas
• Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer
• Risk factors
• Diagnosis and investigations
• Staging

There will be a short quiz toward the end of the course to test your knowledge.

Over 1,500 health professionals have taken the course, of which:
– 99% rated it good or excellent
– 96% reported their knowledge and understanding increased
– 99% would recommend to a colleague

“It has been a great refresher course – really enjoyed this” Palliative care CNS

“A really thought provoking , interesting course that I have learnt a lot from” Senior Nurse

Do I need to complete part one of the course in one go?

No. You can start the course and come back to it at a later date to complete it. The course will remember your progress.

Can I get CPD from taking part one of this course?

Yes. Each part of the course is CPD certified. On completion of part one of the course you will receive a certificate with the CPD stamp which you can use for revalidation.

Do I need to take parts two and three of the course?

After taking part one of this course, we recommend taking part two on treatment options, part three on symptom management and the case studies course so you get to hear about the different areas of the pancreatic cancer pathway. However, it isn’t mandatory to take all three courses.

We would like to thank the following people who contributed, reviewed and tested this online course, in addition to our Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurses:

Reviewers

• Mr Andrew Smith, Consultant Pancreatic Surgeon and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Prof Daniel Palmer, Medical Oncologist, University of Liverpool
• Rachel Haigh, CNS CUP and HPB Teams, Edinburgh Cancer Centre
• Rachel White, Dietitian, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust 
• Dr Raneem Albazaz, Consultant Radiologist, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Rosie Hull, UGI CNS, St Helens and Knowsley Hospital

Video: People affected by pancreatic cancer who shared their experience

• Bryony Thomas
• Ann Stella
• Marie Morris
• Hugh Campbell
• Vivienne
• Stuart McWilliam
• Peter Fitzpatrick

The course content

The content of this course is supported by research, studies and guides which are referenced throughout the course content.