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