Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of gastrointestinal cancer that develops in the cells of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach.
How your pancreas makes a big impact on your digestive health
Think of the pancreas as an orchestra conductor. It makes sure important parts of your digestive system, like blood sugar, digestion and metabolism, stay on beat. When that rhythm is disrupted by cancerous cells in the pancreas, it can have serious effects on your health.
Receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis can feel like a heavy weight to bear, but you don’t have to carry it alone. You count on us to address your condition from physical, mental and emotional angles. Everyone on your care team is working toward the same goal: to map a treatment path that leads to a greater quality of life.
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Conditions
Pancreatic cancer is a form of gastrointestinal cancer that often develops without showing any early symptoms. If you notice 1 or more of these symptoms, talk with your doctor or gastroenterologist as soon as possible:
Dark yellow urine
Digestive problems
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Pain in the upper abdomen
Sudden weight loss
White stool
Testing
Detecting pancreatic cancer in its early stages is challenging because of where the pancreas sits deep inside the abdomen. We can perform different tests — blood tests, imaging tests and biopsies — to better understand your condition and stage of pancreatic cancer.
Blood tests
When your doctor suspects you're living with pancreatic cancer, blood tests are helpful methods to provide the answers you need. Keep in mind that blood tests aren't screening tools that help detect cancer before it develops.
No single blood test alone can diagnose pancreatic cancer, so we usually order several. Some tests, known as tumor markers, measure the protein levels produced by cancer cells.
Imaging tests
Our radiology team specializes in detecting and diagnosing diseases like pancreatic cancer. Some of the imaging tests commonly used to diagnose pancreatic cancer include:
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
Biopsy
Your doctor may order a biopsy of your pancreas to evaluate if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample from your pancreas that your doctor then examines under a microscope for cancerous cells.
Treatments
Because pancreatic cancer doesn't often show early signs or symptoms, many people may not know they're living with cancer until it has spread to other parts of the body. So, we brought together the brightest minds in medicine to cover your wellness from all aspects. We'll meet you where you are to slow or stop cancer growth.
Your care plan will be tailored to your cancer type, health history and lifestyle. Common treatment options for pancreatic cancer include:
- Surgery to remove part or all of the pancreas using the least invasive method available
- Chemotherapy to slow the growth of a pancreatic tumor or stop new tumors from developing
- Radiation therapy to shrink large pancreatic tumors or prevent new tumors in a particular area of the body
We can also connect you with the latest treatment innovations through our clinical trials.
Whipple procedure
The Whipple procedure is most commonly used to treat pancreatic cancer but may also help with benign pancreatic tumors, bile duct cancer and chronic pancreatitis. It involves removing part of the pancreas and nearby organs, then carefully reconnecting everything so your body can still digest food and absorb nutrients.
In some cases, the Whipple procedure can be done using robotic-assisted surgery. This minimally invasive approach uses small incisions and advanced tools to help your surgeon work with greater precision.
It’s a major surgery, but you're not in it alone. We also work with specialists in gastroenterology, oncology and nutrition before, during and after surgery to support recovery and long-term strength.
Nutrition therapy
People with pancreatic cancer will find that eating isn't as easy as before because of a lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting. A high-calorie, high-protein diet can help you control weight and maintain strength.
Whether you need a feeding tube or guidance from a registered dietitian, we'll tailor your nutrition therapy to make sure you stay nourished.
FAQs
How many people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States each year?
More than 37,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year. It’s the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
What are the risk factors for pancreatic cancer?
Smokers are 2–3 times more likely to get pancreatic cancer than nonsmokers. Pancreatic cancer is also known to have a genetic link to it, meaning that certain families are at higher risk.
It’s important to know your family’s health history so you can prepare for pancreatic cancer screening or early detection tests.
What are the risks of the Whipple procedure?
The Whipple procedure is a major surgery, and like any operation, it has risks. These can include infection, bleeding or problems with digestion. Most people stay in the hospital for 7 to 14 days. Full recovery may take 6 to 8 weeks or longer, depending on your health.
Will I be able to eat normally after the Whipple procedure?
You may need to eat smaller meals more often and follow a special diet at first. Our care team will guide you with nutrition support every step of the way. After the Whipple procedure, some people may need help with:
- Eating smaller meals more often
- Digesting food using enzyme pills
- Managing blood sugar if the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin
Am I a candidate for robotic-assisted Whipple procedure?
Not everyone is eligible. Your doctor will review your health, imaging and tumor location to see if robotic surgery is right for you. Benefits of robotic-assisted Whipple procedures include smaller scars, less pain after surgery, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery. We will help you understand your options and choose the best plan for your care.
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Clinical trials
Perioperative versus adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer
All genders
18+
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