[Epidemiological aspects, risk factors, and detection of pancreatic cancer]

The incidence of pancreatic cancer (PC) is increasing in developing countries. Smoking, reduced consumption of fruits and vegetables, chronic pancreatitis appear to be the best established risk factors. PC is often diagnosed at a late stage. We have to look for it when dyspepsia with weight loss, pancreatic pain or impaired glucose tolerance occurs. Tumor markers are briefly exposed and we discuss the place of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after non invasive imaging techniques.