Screening for Pancreatic Cancer

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Release Date: February 2004

Summary of Recommendations / Supporting Documents

Summary of Recommendation

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine screening for pancreatic cancer in asymptomatic adults using abdominal palpation, ultrasonography, or serologic markers.

  Rating: "D" recommendation.

  Rationale: The USPSTF found no evidence that screening for pancreatic cancer is effective in reducing mortality. There is a potential for significant harm due to the very low prevalence of pancreatic cancer, limited accuracy of available screening tests, the invasive nature of diagnostic tests, and the poor outcomes of treatment. As a result, the USPSTF concluded that the harms of screening for pancreatic cancer exceed any potential benefits.

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Supporting Documents

Screening for Pancreatic Cancer, February 2004
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 158 KB; PDF Help)
Brief Evidence Update (PDF File, 153 KB; PDF Help)

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Current as of February 2004

Internet Citation:

Screening for Pancreatic Cancer, Topic Page. February 2004. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspspanc.htm