What does a pancreas do, again?

The pancreas is located in the abdominal cavity and is part of both the digestive and endocrine systems. It produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon, as well as enzymes which help with the digestive process. 

Is pancreatic cancer common?

About 46,000 Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year, and it is the fourth deadliest cancer in America. In fact, only 23% of those diagnosed survive one year, and only 6% of patients survive five years.

Why are the survival rates so low? 

In part, survival rates are low due to the fact that pancreatic cancer is frequently found only when it is at an advanced stage. Further, pancreatic cancer is one of the least researched cancers. Until the passage of the Recalcitrant Cancer Act in 2012, the National Institute of Health did not have a plan in place to research pancreatic cancer, and only 2% of cancer research funding went to pancreatic cancer. It is one of the only cancers to have little to no change in survival rates since the 1970s. 

Why is pancreatic cancer diagnosed so late?

There are currently no screening methods for pancreatic cancer. Other cancers, such as breast cancer, are much easier to screen because the tumors are located in easily accessed areas of the body. The pancreas is deep within the abdominal cavity, so therefore not easily accessible. Further, symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often so subtle that many people don't seek medical attention. Finally, symptoms often don't manifest until the cancer is metastatic, at which point the tumor is usually inoperable.

What is the treatment for pancreatic cancer?

The best treatment is surgical. The Whipple Procedure is the operation performed on eligible patients, often after a round of chemotherapy and/or radiation. When patients have the operation, the five year survival rate skyrockets to nearly 40%. Many patients, however, can not have the operation because their cancer has become metastatic. In those cases, patients receive chemotherapy and/or radiation. 

What does the Whipple Procedure involve?

The Whipple (or pancreatoduodenectomy...say that ten times fast...or at all) is a major abdominal surgery during which several organs are removed or partially removed. The head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, the end of the common bile duct and sometimes part of the stomach are extracted. It is one of the most difficult modern operations to perform.  

What can you do to help?

Lots!! First, you're here, so that's a start! The Marino Donnelly Foundation is focused on supporting early detection and patients of pancreatic cancer. We plan to hold events which will go to support various aspects of pancreatic cancer research and victims. Also, you can get involved with other organizations. Both the Lustgarten Foundation ( http://www.lustgarten.org/ ) and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network ( http://www.pancan.org/ ) have many ways in which you can get involved: you can participate in annual walks, purchase merchandise or make a flat out donation. 

Sources:

Lustgarten Foundation: 

http://www.lustgarten.org/get-informed/quick-facts-a-pancreatic-cancer-infographic

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: 

http://www.pancan.org/section-facing-pancreatic-cancer/learn-about-pan-cancer/

WebMD:

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/