Pancreatic cancer is a severe form of cancer that affects the pancreas through the development of a tumor or other signs (Google Health, 2010). Some of the most important warning signs or symptoms are pain in the abdominal area, discoloration of the skin, vomiting, and sudden weight loss (Google Health, 2010). After some time has passed, the pancreatic tumor may also cause blood clotting and pain the back area (Google Health, 2010). It is important to determine as early as possible if these symptoms, which are common to many other ailments, may be attributed to a pancreatic tumor and not another diagnosis (Google Health, 2010). One of the primary disadvantages of this type of cancer is that is generally discovered at a late stage, which makes surgery a very difficult if not impossible option (Google Health, 2010. Therefore, common treatment methods include chemotherapy and radiation, as well as various drugs currently on the market and in clinical trials (Mayo Clinic, 2010).  Statistically speaking, this type of cancer affects approximately 43,000  new people each year, with approximately 37,000 deaths on an annual basis (National Cancer Institute, 2010).

Some cases of pancreatic cancer may be attributed to a family linkage and some individuals possess a genetic predisposition for the disease, but many cases are isolated (Medscape, 2010).  It is also known that pancreatic cancer is more prevalent in Western countries, such as the United States, where many treatments are also available for use in treating the condition if possible (National Cancer Institute, 2010). Finally, it is known that other animals, including but not limited to dogs, where the illness is typically inoperable and often fatal (PetMD, 2010).