Pancreatic cancer is the 7th most common cancer in Ireland.

Statistics confirm that it is no more curable than rarer cancers but progress is being made on treatments.

Around 500 people are diagnosed with the disease in Ireland each year and most cases occur in adults over the age of 60.

Today is World Pancreatic Cancer Day and Dr Robert O’Connor outlines some of the symptoms that are cause for concern:”The symptoms can be a little bit vague, these would tend to hit in later middle age, but they include unexplained weight loss, jaundice, changes in the colour of the urine, certain kinds of itching, unexplained nausea or vomiting which would go on for a period of time.

“Abdominal pain and pain around the back area.

“If somebody was presenting with those they should go to their GP.”