ObjectiveTo sort out the historical evolution of diagnostic screening methods for pancreatic cancer, and to explore how to achieve early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer in the context of China’s large population base and economic development.MethodsSystematic review was performed. The computer was used to search databases inchuding CNKI, VIP, WanFang Data, Web of Science, PubMed and EMbase. Two researchers independently searched Baidu search engine to collect relevant reports on screening methods and effect evaluation of pancreatic cancer published before February 28, 2018, and a qualitative descroption was made.ResultsA total of 117 articles were included in the study. The exploration of screening methods for pancreatic cancer in China has experienced three stages: germination, enlightenment and growth. Current screening methods include clinical manifestations, imaging screening methods, serum tumor markers and molecular biology gene diagnosis, each of which had its advantages and disadvantages. Single method could not achieve higher specificity and sensitivity, and joint detection had become an inevitable trend. Considering the benefit of practical application, screening among high-risk groups could effectively reduce the population size and achieve accurate screening.ConclusionThere was a big gap between domestic and foreign research in screening for pancreatic cancer. Screening methods are diverse, and joint detection is an inevitable trend. Screening for pancreatic cancer in high-risk population will become a breakthrough under the technical bottleneck.