At Brown Surgical Associates, we believe that knowledge is power — and that early detection, education, and prompt surgical consultation can make a meaningful difference in outcomes. November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and it offers a critical opportunity to spotlight one of the most challenging and under-recognized cancers: pancreatic cancer.
What is Pancreatic Cancer — and Why Awareness Matters
The pancreas is an organ behind the lower stomach that performs both digestive and hormonal functions. Pancreatic cancer most commonly arises from the exocrine cells (about 95 % of cases) but can also begin in the endocrine or neuroendocrine pancreas.
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Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the U.S. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, it’s currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and projected to become the second by 2030.
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Five-year survival rates remain very low — roughly in the low teens (around 13 %) in many cases.
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A major challenge: there is no widely available, reliable early-detection screening test for people at average risk.
Because of this, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages where surgical options are limited.
Key Risk Factors & Warning Signs
Risk factors to know (important to discuss with your primary care or surgical team):
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Family history of pancreatic cancer or certain hereditary cancer syndromes.
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Smoking and tobacco use.
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Obesity, long-standing diabetes or chronic pancreatitis.
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Age (most cases occur in older adults) and race/ethnicity (some populations are at higher risk).
Warning signs and symptoms that should prompt evaluation:
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Unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal or back pain, new-onset diabetes, or change in glycemic control.
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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, pale stools.
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Loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue.
Because these symptoms can be vague or attributed to other conditions, many patients—and their doctors—may not immediately suspect pancreatic cancer.
What Brown Surgical Associates Offers
At Brown Surgical Associates, our multidisciplinary surgical oncology team (part of one of Rhode Island’s largest surgical groups) is experienced in managing complex pancreatic and hepatobiliary cases.
Here’s how we help:
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Comprehensive consultation and evaluation for patients with suspected pancreatic masses, cysts, or high-risk features.
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Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical techniques where appropriate, helping to reduce recovery times and improve outcomes.
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Close collaboration with gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to ensure each patient’s treatment plan is tailored and coordinated.
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Patient education: helping you understand your risk, what symptoms to watch for, and when to seek evaluation.
If you or a loved one have risk factors or concerning symptoms, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a consultation or second opinion.
How You Can Participate and Raise Awareness This Month
This November (Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month) is an ideal time to join efforts in raising awareness, supporting research, and advocating for early detection. Some simple but impactful actions you can take:
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Wear purple, the color for pancreatic cancer awareness.
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Share information on your social media channels about pancreatic cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection. Use hashtags such as #PancreaticCancerAwareness or #KnowYourRisk.
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Attend or organize a local event (walk/run, educational session) to support awareness and fundraising for research. Many national organizations provide toolkits and resources.
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Talk with your family about medical history, and ask your primary care or specialist if your risk warrants further evaluation or surveillance.
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Refer a friend or loved one: if you know someone with risk factors (family history, smoking, chronic pancreatitis), encourage them to get medical advice early.
Help is Close to Home, Here in Rhode Island
While pancreatic cancer remains a national challenge, local care with a high-quality surgical partner matters. At Brown Surgical Associates, you’ll find:
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Access to specialized surgical care close to home in Rhode Island, reducing the burden of travel and helping with continuity of care.
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A team experienced in complex surgeries, including pancreatic resections and hepatobiliary operations (important for many pancreatic cases).
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Multilingual service and patient-education resources.
By connecting local patients to global best practices in pancreatic cancer care, we hope to improve outcomes and raise the standard for the region.
Takeaway: Don’t Wait—Act Early
Pancreatic cancer may be one of the most daunting cancer diagnoses, but awareness, timely evaluation, and surgical expertise can make a difference. If you or someone you care about has risk factors or persistent symptoms, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor.
During this Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, let’s commit to: Know the risks. Spot the signs. Seek expert care.
Together, we can help provide more patients with better outcomes.
