Prince Philip’s Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, lived with pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years before passing away in 2021. This revelation, shared in a new biography about his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, has sparked interest and discussion around the disease. The information is surprising on two fronts: first, it was never publicly disclosed that the Duke had cancer, and second, pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to detect and has one of the lowest survival rates among all cancers. Many patients survive only six months after diagnosis.
Prince Philip’s story highlights key risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer, including age, family history, and lifestyle choices such as smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, and diet. His case also underscores the importance of awareness and early detection, which can sometimes improve outcomes.
Diagnosis and Survival
Biographer Hugo Vickers, in Queen Elizabeth II, reveals that the Duke of Edinburgh was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in June 2013 during an 11-day hospital stay. He passed away at Windsor Castle in April 2021, just two months short of his 100th birthday, with ‘old age’ recorded on his death certificate. Vickers describes how, on the night before his death, Prince Philip quietly moved along a corridor with his Zimmer frame to pour himself a beer in the Oak Room. The following morning, he reportedly had a bath, said he did not feel well, and died peacefully.
At the time of his death, Prince Philip had already survived far longer than the average prognosis for pancreatic cancer, which typically has a five-year survival rate of around 12 per cent in the UK. His story demonstrates why awareness of the disease and its risk factors is so important.
Risk Factors and Family History
Pancreatic cancer can run in families. Around five to 10 per cent of cases occur in people with a family history of the disease. Risk is higher if a first-degree relative is affected or if a close relative was diagnosed at a young age. Some inherited gene faults, including BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2, also increase risk. These genes are better known for raising the chance of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
Famously, actress Angelina Jolie underwent a preventative double mastectomy after testing positive for BRCA1 in 2013; her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died from ovarian cancer at 56. Other rare inherited conditions, such as Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome, and Lynch syndrome, are also linked to pancreatic cancer. However, most cases are sporadic and do not run in families.
Age and Rising Cases in Younger People
Getting older is one of the biggest risk factors. Almost half of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed in people over 75, and the disease is rare in those under 40. Despite this, pancreatic cancer incidence is rising more rapidly in younger age groups, particularly among women. This increase appears to be driven by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common and aggressive type. Other, less common types include neuroendocrine tumours, which generally have a better prognosis.
Experts suggest rising rates may reflect both improved detection of early-stage tumours and increases in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and smoking. Overall, men still have a slightly higher incidence than women.
Smoking and Nicotine Products
Around one in five pancreatic cancers is linked to smoking. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco all increase risk. Research is ongoing into snus—nicotine pouches popular with young men—which may also raise risk. Quitting smoking is the most effective protection; after 20 years, a former smoker’s risk returns to that of someone who has never smoked.
Obesity and Weight-Related Risk Factors
Roughly one in ten pancreatic cancers is linked to being overweight or obese. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, can make tissues resistant to insulin, prompting the pancreas to work harder. This may contribute to cancer development, though more research is needed. Obesity also raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, and pancreatic cancer is more common in people with the condition. Other obesity-related issues, such as gallstones, may also increase risk.
Alcohol and Chronic Pancreatitis
Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, known as chronic pancreatitis, is a known risk factor. Sustained heavy drinking—around three or more units of alcohol a day—can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatitis and, subsequently, pancreatic cancer. Three units is roughly one pint of lager or a large glass of wine. Recently, the UK drugs watchdog MHRA issued guidance after weight-loss injections called GLP-1 receptor agonists were linked to rare cases of pancreatitis. No direct link to pancreatic cancer has been found, but research continues.
Diet, Red and Processed Meat
Some studies suggest high intake of red and processed meats may slightly raise pancreatic cancer risk, particularly in men. The method of cooking matters: high-temperature techniques like grilling, barbecuing, and pan-frying can produce potentially harmful chemicals such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Processed meats may also carry additional risks from curing and smoking. Evidence is not definitive and more research is needed.
Pancreatic Cancer Warning Signs
Pancreatic cancer is often called a ‘silent killer’ because early symptoms are subtle. They can include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Upper abdominal or back pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Digestive changes, including pale stools or diarrhoea
- New-onset diabetes in older adults, which can sometimes be an early warning sign
Early detection is challenging. There is currently no screening for the general population, but high-risk individuals—those with strong family histories or known genetic syndromes—may be offered regular imaging or genetic testing.
