The WVU Cancer Institute marked World Pancreatic Cancer Day with a special awareness event Thursday at WVU’s Health Sciences Center.
According to pancreatic.org, estimated 62,210 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S., and more than 49,830 will die from the disease — this year alone.
Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers.
Symptoms may include weight loss, abdominal discomfort, back pain and development of type 2 diabetes. Some tumors may cause jaundice, leading to earlier diagnosis.
World Pancreatic Cancer Day aims to make more people aware of the disease and its symptoms.
WVU Medicine boasts a world-class pancreatic cancer team that:
- Leads West Virginia’s first robotic pancreatic surgery program, now recognized as one of the nation’s best
- Conducts cutting-edge research to improve patient outcomes
- Enhances patient care through innovative clinical trials
- Continues to make cancer treatments safer and more effective
Thursday’s event allowed the WVU pancreatic cancer team’s work to be highlighted. Attendees also heard from patients about the impact of this challenging disease.
Donations are always welcome to help advance research and treatment options by supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Fund. Visit give.wvu.edu/wvucancerinstitute to make a gift online.
For more information about the event or supporting the WVU Cancer Institute, contact Executive Director of Development Laura McCall at lmccall@wvuf.org or 304-293-5757.
