Pancreatic Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 43,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year. Most often, pancreatic cancer starts in the ducts that carry pancreatic enzymes, also referred to as exocrine pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Jaundice
  • Weight loss

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer include:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Genetics: family history of a first-degree relative with pancreatic cancer at a young age
  • Chronic inflammation of the pancreas, also known as, chronic pancreatitis
  • Obesity

When to See a Doctor

If you have any symptoms you are concerned about or if your symptoms persist, it’s time to see a doctor. Screening for pancreatic cancer is not routine and requires the expertise of a physician who has been trained to evaluate and diagnose conditions affecting the pancreas.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for individuals with pancreatic cancer vary and may include the following:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Any combination of the above treatments

Prevention

If you are in a genetic risk group or have a pancreatic cyst that requires regular monitoring, you may be able to prevent pancreatic cancer from developing with proper medical supervision and/or treatment.

Learn More

Learn more about pancreatic cancer with resources from the National Cancer Institute

Schedule A Visit

Delivering exceptional care and infection control is part of our daily practice and way of life for our physicians and team members. Our patient centers are controlled spaces where the most stringent precautions are always in place.

Make An Appointment