Surgery

If you are eligible for surgery to remove the tumor in your pancreas, it is an important option to consider. Surgery is one of the only chances to potentially cure cancer of the pancreas. This option can completely remove the tumor and give you relief from many of the symptoms of this cancer.

Unfortunately, only about 15% of people with pancreatic cancer are eligible to receive surgery to remove the cancer. If you happen to be part of this 15%, opting to get surgery may increase your chance of a better outcome.

Genetic Screening

Genetic screening is important for people who either have pancreatic cancer or have a family history of pancreatic cancer. Information from genetic testing can indicate if you are at a higher risk for pancreatic cancer. Genetic testing on an existing pancreatic cancer tumor may allow your doctor to create a medical treatment regimen that is more specific to the type of cancer you have, which could lead to better results. Finally, expert guidelines now suggest that all patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer of the pancreas receive hereditary genetic testing. If a patient is found to be in the genetic category that up to 15% of such persons are part of – they may be eligible for special tailored treatment options that could offer increased survival advantage.

While cancer treatment itself is crucial, it is important that your general well-being and comfort is also being attended to. Having a team of specialists to help you and your family make informed decisions about all aspects of your care may make the process of treatment easier. Supportive care may also improve your quality of life and overall mood.

Supportive (or palliative) Care

While cancer treatment itself is crucial, it is important that your general well-being and comfort is also being attended to. Having a team of specialists to help you and your family make informed decisions about all aspects of your care may make the process of treatment easier. Supportive care may also improve your quality of life, overall mood, and even extend your life.