These survival rates are generally worse than those reported by other developed countries. Surgery is difficult and hazardous. Clinicians and hospitals treating larger numbers of patients with these cancers achieve better outcomes. Radiotherapy is only appropriate for a small minority of patients with oesophageal cancer. Most patients require palliative interventions, in particular stent insertion to permit swallowing or treat jaundice.
Pain control is crucial, especially in pancreatic cancer.
Surgical interventions such as destruction of the local nerve plexus are often effective.