Early Detection: Transforming the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, often discovered too late for effective treatment. Each year, 60,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed, with more than half already at stage 4. However, new advancements in screening and prevention are offering hope for those at risk.

Cutting-Edge Screening Programs

Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center, affiliated with UC San Diego Health Cancer Network, offers a pancreatic cancer prevention and screening program tailored to individuals with a higher genetic risk. Advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI and endoscopic ultrasound, enable the detection of pancreatic abnormalities at an earlier stage.

The Role of Genetics

Patients with a higher genetic risk, like screening patient Deborah DeSantis, who knew her extended family had a long history of cancer, benefit from regular monitoring and proactive care coordination. In DeSantis’s case, genetic mutations, such as PALB2, are significant risk factors for pancreatic cancer. DeSantis’s journey highlights the importance of genetic counseling and testing. By identifying her mutation and participating in screening, she is taking control of her health while contributing to valuable research.

Clinical Trials: Shaping the Future

Eisenhower’s affiliation with UC San Diego Health Cancer Network provides access to groups like the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Consortium, which allows patients to join groundbreaking trials, like PRECEDE, aimed at improving survival rates. These efforts are striving to increase the five-year survival rate to 50% within the next decade.

By prioritizing early detection and empowering patients through education, Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center is redefining what’s possible in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

For more information, visit EisenhowerHealth.org/Cancer.