Raising awareness about pancreatic cancer: A message from Dr. William E. Fisher

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to shedding light on a disease that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. As a pancreas surgeon, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of pancreatic cancer. Here, I discuss the risk factors, challenges of early diagnosis, and the promising research being conducted at Baylor College of Medicine using modern techniques, including artificial intelligence (AI).

Understanding the risk factors

Pancreatic cancer is a complex disease with several risk factors. Some of the most significant include:

• Age: The risk increases with age, particularly after 60.
• Smoking: Smokers are twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers.
• Family history: A family history of pancreatic cancer or certain genetic syndromes can increase risk.
• Chronic pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas is a known risk factor.
• Diabetes: There is a link between long-standing diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
• Obesity: Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk.

The challenge of early diagnosis

One of the most challenging aspects of pancreatic cancer is lack of early detection. Symptoms often do not appear until the disease is advanced. Common symptoms like jaundice, weight loss and abdominal pain can be vague and attributed to other conditions. This makes early diagnosis incredibly difficult, which is why many cases are diagnosed at a late stage.

Advances in research and technology

Despite these challenges, there is hope on the horizon. Researchers at Baylor are leveraging modern techniques, including AI, to improve early detection and treatment outcomes. AI algorithms are being developed to analyze medical records, imaging and genetic data, identifying patterns that may indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer earlier than traditional methods.

Additionally, liquid biopsies, which detect cancer-related biomarkers in blood samples, are showing promise in identifying pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage. These advancements are crucial in our fight against this formidable disease.

Join our webinar

I invite you to join me for a webinar titled “How Early Detection Can Change the Course for Pancreatic Cancer.” We will have a meaningful conversation about risk factors, symptoms, the latest in early detection research and more.

When: Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at 1 p.m. CT.

Where: Watch at pancan.org/wpcd2024

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer. I look forward to seeing you there and discussing how we can improve early detection and save lives.

By Dr. William E. Fisher, professor and vice chair for clinical affairs in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery