HK experts warn diabetes patients of higher pancreatic cancer risk

HONG KONG - Doctors from the Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre are warning diabetes patients to get regular checks for pancreatic cancer, as they are seven times more likely to develop the condition, local media reported on Friday.

The warning came as Hong Kong observes the World Pancreatic Cancer Day, which falls on Friday. The special administrative region has an estimated 700,000 people with diabetes.

The center's medical director, Professor Ronnie Poon, said the prognosis for pancreatic cancer patients is poor, with a five-year survival rate of only 5 to 10 percent.

However, he said if people get regular tests and the problem is spotted before symptoms show, the prognosis is much better.