PaCNOD Pilot Study

Early detection of pancreatic cancer in people with new-onset diabetes mellitus: a pilot study

About the study

This research is about diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
Very rarely diabetes can be caused by pancreatic cancer. It is possible that early investigations could enable earlier diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, which might lead to better survival. We hope to do a large study to determine if performing a contrast CT scan of the pancreas in some people with diabetes would be beneficial.

Before we can do the large early diagnosis study, we need to determine whether or not it is possible and decide on the best study design. This is commonly called a ‘pilot’ study. We are asking you to take part in this pilot study.

Interested in participating?

Who is eligible to take part?

We would like to hear from you if you are 55 years or older, have a device that you can use to complete an online survey, have a Medicare card, and you have not previously had pancreatic cancer or your pancreas removed for another reason.

What does participating in the PaCNOD Pilot Study involve?

If you decide to take part you will be asked to:

Complete an online survey (this would take about 30 minutes);
Give consent for us to ask your doctor about your health;
Give consent for us to obtain some information about your health from Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Will I get paid for participating in the study?

People who complete the survey and provide consent to contact their doctor will be emailed a $50 e-gift card that can be used at a wide range of popular stores.

Participate in the Trial

Ready to make a difference?

Click the relevant link below

Current Status: Recruitment open

By participating, you will help us take the first steps toward understanding how we might detect pancreatic cancer earlier and potentially save lives in the future.

Your feedback is important to us and may help to improve the study. You can provide feedback even if you don't want to take part in the study. Your feedback can be anonymous or you can register your interest in taking part in an interview.

Please note: If you are a GP completing the survey for a patient you should use the link in the invitation email we sent. For assistance, please contact the study team.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer?

There are several different types of diabetes. When diabetes arises in adults it is almost always type 2 diabetes – this is very common and is not caused by pancreatic cancer. In about 1 in 175 adults aged 50 years or more (i.e., less than 1%) the diabetes is called type 3c diabetes and is caused by a cancer in the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is even less common in people less than 50 years old.

Should you have a scan of your pancreas?

If you have diabetes, it is very unlikely to have been caused by pancreatic cancer. Currently, there is no strong evidence that having a scan would reduce deaths from pancreatic cancer – that’s why we need to do this research.

It is also important that we make sure that we do not do scans on too many people. This is because the scans could find spots that are not cancer, but if found they could cause worry. In some cases, investigations and unnecessary treatments could occur.

It is not currently recommended that people with new-onset diabetes routinely have scans. However, some people have another reason why they should have a scan, so if you are concerned you should discuss this with your doctor.

Will I have to have any tests?

Some people will be invited to have a contrast CT scan of
their pancreas. This will be optional. Before doing contrast CT scans, we will ask people who have been selected to have a blood test to check their kidney function. Blood tests and contrast CT scans will happen close to participants’ homes or workplaces.

I received a letter, how did you get my details?

Services Australia (who administer Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) sent the letter on our behalf. We do not have any of your details unless you have registered interest in taking part in the PaCNOD Pilot Study.

What information will you collect from Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)?

Click on the link in the downloads section below to see an example of the type of information that may be included in your Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme claims history.

Who is conducting the research?

This research is being led by scientists at QIMR Berghofer (a leading medical research institute in Brisbane). There are other doctors and scientists supporting this research. The list is shown here:

QIMR Berghofer