pancreatic cancer in canada: stats, impact and resources
pancreatic cancer is considered a rare cancer in canada, but because of it's high mortality rates, it is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the country
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over 7,000 canadians were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024 alone, with 3,800 of those cases being found in men and 3,300 being found in women.
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roughly 7,100 people in 2024 were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in canada, with a total of 6,100 deaths. since it is often diagnosed in the advanced stage, pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate—it is considered the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the country, even with a relatively lower diagnosis rate compared to other types of cancer.
there are several types of pancreatic cancer, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma being the most common. this type develops in the cells that line pancreatic ducts. other types fall into two categories: exocrine, which arise from enzyme-producing cells, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, which are driven by hormone-producing cells.
due to the high mortality rate and often terminal diagnosis people with pancreatic cancer receive, it is frequently considered a devastating cancer to develop.
pancreatic cancer stats in canada
over 7,000 canadians were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024 alone, with 3,800 of those cases being found in men and 3,300 being found in women. these numbers demonstrate that pancreatic cancer affects both men and women fairly equally, with a slightly higher incidence rate in men. of those, 3,200 and 2,900 died due to pancreatic cancer.
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regarding age, pancreatic cancer is less likely to develop in people younger than 35, with the largest incidence rates being found in people aged 65 to 74. that said, it is still found in various age groups. for example, 0.2 per 100,000 persons will develop pancreatic cancer prior to age 35, whereas 1.3 per 100,000 cases are found in those aged 35 to 39. in those over 90, that rate jumps significantly to 87.2 per 100,000.
mortality rates also increase with age, with those between 75 and 84 seeing the highest. the rate of diagnosis is typically higher in males, and when broken down into age groups, those in the most likely to develop pancreatic cancer age group saw 20 to 30 per cent more cases in men than women.
survival rates in the country are typically low. the five-year net survival, which is the chance of someone surviving cancer for at least five years, sits at roughly 10 per cent. the five-year survival rate is highly dependent on what stage a person is in when diagnosed:
- localized stage: 44 per cent
- regional: 15 per cent
- distant: three per cent
there are various modifiable risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer, including alcohol use, tobacco use and diet. almost half, 44 per cent, of new pancreatic cases can be linked to modifiable risk factors.
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pancreatic cancer north america
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for example, roughly 16 per cent of new pancreatic cancer cases are linked to not eating enough fruits and vegetables, as well as tobacco use and alcohol use is associated with two per cent of new cases.
certain ethnic groups experience higher pancreatic cancer incidence rates, with black people, either of african or caribbean descent, the most likely to develop it.
pancreatic cancer impact on canadian society
the overall financial impact that pancreatic cancer has on canadian society is roughly $33,000 per patient for both indirect and direct healthcare costs. direct costs include specialized care, hospitalizations and prescription drugs, whereas indirect costs include lost work.
while data regarding canada as a whole is limited, it typically costs the healthcare system in ontario roughly $54,152 per year for someone with terminal pancreatic cancer.
when it comes to testing, monitoring and treatment for pancreatic cancer, the cost is roughly $429.80 for monthly ct scans for someone with pancreatic cancer. chemotherapy and drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer are $5,942 per month. treatments that follow chemotherapy for people who need more will add $2,377 per month, with those requiring emergency room visits and hospitalizations being around $4,558 and $105 per month, respectively.
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it’s important to note that the data surrounding indirect and direct healthcare costs surrounding pancreatic cancer in canada are scarce, and these numbers are from 2012. the fees may be higher today.
pancreatic cancer resources
various types of support are available for people living with pancreatic cancer in canada. organizations are geared toward providing information, education, research, and community connection. the top associations providing pancreatic cancer support in canada include:
living with pancreatic cancer can be challenging, especially considering the typical prognosis for the disease is poor for the majority of individuals. that said, finding the right supports can make the process a little bit easier for those who develop the disease.
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