Treatment options depend on the type, location and stage of the cancer. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these. In general, the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. Surgical procedures  ● The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) can be performed for cancers occurring in the head of the gland. It involves removing the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder, part of the bile duct and nearby lymph nodes. The remaining parts of the pancreas, stomach and intestines are reconnected. ● Distal pancreatectomy may be performed to remove a tumour that occurs in the pancreatic body and tail. ● Total pancreatectomy is sometimes required to remove the entire pancreas. It is possible to live relatively normally without a pancreas but lifelong insulin and enzyme replacement is required. All surgical procedures involve the risk of bleeding and infection and possible nausea or vomiting. A long recovery period may be required. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy  Chemotherapy drugs may be either injected or taken orally to help kill cancer cells, relieve symptoms and prolong survival. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. Chemoradiation – a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, may be used before surgery to help shrink a tumor, or after surgery to reduce the risk that pancreatic cancer may recur. Palliative care For advanced pancreatic cancer that is not amenable to surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, treatment may focus on symptom relief and improving quality of life. Palliative care may also be provided to complement other treatments.