Dr Victor Lee Tswen Wen
MBBS (S’pore), FRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Surgery), MSc (Bioinformatics), FAMS (General Surgery)
MBBS (S’pore), MMed (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh), MPH (USA), FAMS (General Surgery)
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and difficult cancers to detect early. In Singapore, it ranks among the top 10 cancer-related deaths for both men and women, with survival rates remaining low due to late-stage diagnoses.
While most cases arise without a clear warning or known cause, you may be at greater risk if several members of your family have had pancreatic cancer or related cancers.
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that plays a key role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. It often progresses silently, making it difficult to detect in its early stages.
Most cases of pancreatic cancer develop without a clear cause, but certain risk factors are known to increase your chances:
In some cases, a family history of pancreatic or other cancers (such as breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer) may also suggest a higher lifetime risk.
If you are concerned about your personal or family history, the first step is to consult a doctor experienced in managing pancreatic conditions. They can:
At our clinic, we regularly support patients with both known pancreatic conditions and those who are simply seeking clarity about their risk. Not all patients will require testing or surgery, but early evaluation can offer peace of mind and help guide any next steps.
Regardless of family history, there are steps you can take to reduce your overall risk:
Being aware of your risk and taking action where possible can make a real difference in long-term health outcomes.
If you suspect a pattern of pancreatic cancer in your family, seek a doctor’s advice. They can assess your family history, discuss the importance of testing, and help you make informed decisions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Yes, it can. Inherited mutations linked to pancreatic cancer do not always cause disease in every generation. A parent may carry the mutation and never get cancer, while their child who inherits it might. This depends on the mutation’s strength, environment, and lifestyle.
There is no general screening test for pancreatic cancer. However, if you have risk factors like multiple relatives with pancreatic cancer, speak to your doctor about whether monitoring is appropriate.
Senior Consultant Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Surgery),
MSc (Bioinformatics), FAMS (General Surgery)
Dr Victor Lee is an experienced HPB & Transplant (liver, pancreas and kidney transplant) surgeon with subspeciality training at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. He has a special interest in advanced laparoscopic surgery and major surgeries involving the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and bile duct. Dr Lee is known for his clear and thorough explanations during consultations, helping patients understand and navigate their surgical options.
Senior Consultant Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Singapore), MPH (USA),
FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (General Surgery)
Dr Tan Ek Khoon is an experienced HPB & Transplant surgeon based at Gleneagles Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Orchard Hospital. He completed his subspecialty training at the renowned Mayo Clinic in the USA and now focuses on transplant oncology and complex cancer surgeries, including minimally invasive procedures using advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Recognised for his patient-centred care and collaborative approach, Dr Tan has received multiple awards for service excellence.
Professional Care You Can trust
New DLS Group Office
We have opened a new administrative office to support our operations.
The address is:
545 Orchard Road
#10-09 Far East Shopping Centre
Singapore 238882
All medical services continue as usual at our four clinics.
Thank you!
Senior Consultant Surgeon
Senior Consultant Surgeon