Pancreatic cancer is one of the most complex and difficult cancers to treat, according to Eyal Meiri, M.D., a Piedmont Healthcare GI Medical Oncologist. However, the first step is an accurate diagnosis.
“While there are no practical tests for the early detection of pancreas cancer, our multidisciplinary team of oncologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, radiation specialists and pathologists are dedicated to finding the right treatment plan, and helping navigate every step of each patient’s experience,” Dr. Meiri says.
The cause of pancreatic cancer is unclear
According to the American Cancer Society, about 10% of cases have a family history or known genetic link. While the exact cause is unclear, a combination of certain risk factors is known to increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, including
- Tobacco use
- Obesity
- Age greater than 65 years
- Male gender
- African American ethnicity
There is no routine screening for pancreatic cancer
Unlike the colonoscopy for colon cancer or the mammogram for breast cancer, there is no good way to screen for pancreatic cancer. However, research is underway to hopefully uncover ways to screen for or detect pancreatic cancer in its early stages.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms can be subtle and non-specific
The most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are vague and don’t necessarily point to cancer. In fact, they are much more likely to be caused by something else and often occur at a fairly late stage. This is one of the reasons it is a difficult cancer to cure. The symptoms include:
- Mid back pain
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin)
Pancreatic cancer treatment options are improving
At Piedmont Oncology, establishing an accurate diagnosis is the first step in treating pancreatic cancer. “We take a team approach to caring for patients with pancreas cancer,” Dr. Meiri says. “Every patient diagnosed with pancreas cancer is presented at our multidisciplinary tumor board where specialists in all disciplines discuss their case. Treatment planning conferences are used to provide patients with treatment recommendations.” As with most cancers, there are more options with an early diagnosis, and advancements in surgery have resulted in better outcomes.
Expertise
Piedmont Surgical Oncology & HPB Surgery, a designated National Pancreas Foundation Center, has some of the country's most experienced pancreas cancer surgeons. These surgeons perform a high volume of surgeries each year. Surgery is performed by a surgeon specializing in these types of cancer.
“Our multidisciplinary approach is unique because all specialists are involved in your care,” Dr. Meiri says. “In addition, our dedicated coordinator facilitates all aspects of care within one clinic, which provides patients with an expedited evaluation and a full continuum of care.”
Our team includes:
- Fellowship-trained surgeons
- Medical oncologists
- Gastroenterologists
- Interventional radiologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Pathologists
Piedmont’s full range of cancer support services and programs are available to enhance each patient’s care experience, help lessen anxiety, answer questions, and empower and guide them through every step of the cancer journey. Services include clinical trials, cancer rehabilitation, patient navigation, genetics counseling, nutrition counseling, social services, and financial assistance. Cancer wellness programs include education, nutrition workshops, exercise, art therapy, support groups and more.
Piedmont Surgical Oncology & HPB Surgery is the only provider in Georgia designated by the National Pancreas Foundation as a Center of Excellence for both Pancreatitis and Pancreas Cancer.
“Our team has some of the most experienced pancreas cancer surgeons in the country, performing a high volume of surgeries yearly throughout the state,” Dr. Meiri says.
Hereditary risk factors for pancreatic cancer
Because about 10% of pancreatic cancer is hereditary, genetic counselors are available at Piedmont Oncology to help determine if genetic testing for inherited pancreatic cancer risk would benefit you and your family.
“If you or a close family member — parent, sibling, child — has had pancreatic cancer at any age, you may benefit from genetic counseling for pancreatic cancer risk,” Dr. Meiri says.
The chance for pancreatic cancer to be hereditary is higher if any of the following are present:
- Pancreatic cancer in multiple close relatives
- A family history of melanoma, breast, ovarian, prostate, colon, uterine, stomach and/or other cancers
- Ashkenazi Jewish (Eastern European Jewish) ancestry
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and additional endocrine tumors
Contact a genetic counselor
Ask your doctor about pancreatic cancer genetic risk assessment, or contact our genetics team at 404-425-7300. For more information about our genetics program, counseling and testing, explore our additional resources below: