A pancreatic cancer diagnosis raises urgent questions: What should I do first? Where do I go for care? What information do I need?
The following steps are widely recommended by leading cancer centers and medical guidelines.
1. Confirm the Diagnosis and Stage
Accurate diagnosis is essential before making treatment decisions. Tests may include:
- Imaging scans – CT, MRI, or PET to identify tumor location and spread.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – allows close imaging and tissue biopsy.
- Biopsy – confirms cancer type under a microscope.
- Blood tests – including CA 19-9, a tumor marker sometimes elevated in pancreatic cancer.
These results help determine whether the cancer is localized, borderline respectable, locally advanced, or metastatic.
📖 Resource: American Cancer Society – Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
2. Seek a Second Opinion
Pancreatic cancer is complex and outcomes improve when treatment decisions are made by multidisciplinary teams at high-volume centers. Even if you feel confident in your current provider, a second opinion can confirm staging, expand your treatment options, and ensure surgical expertise is available.
Sky Foundation partners with Henry Ford Health and nationally recognized pancreatic surgeons to provide these expert evaluations. Please contact us for a connection to the team of doctors we suggest.
3. Undergo Genetic and Biomarker Testing
Both germline (inherited) and somatic (tumor-specific) genetic testing are now standard of care for all pancreatic cancer patients. These tests can:
- Identify inherited syndromes that may affect family members.
- Reveal mutations (such as BRCA1/2, PALB2, MSI-H, KRAS, or NTRK) that guide targeted therapies or trial eligibility.
- Inform risk for other cancers.
📖 Resource: National Cancer Institute – Pancreatic Cancer Genetics
4. Understand Treatment Pathways
Treatment depends on the stage and overall health of the patient. Standard approaches include:
- Surgery – the only potentially curative option, performed if the tumor can be safely removed. The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) is the most common.
- Chemotherapy – drugs such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-based regimens, given before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery, or as primary treatment for advanced disease.
- Radiation therapy – may be used in selected cases to shrink tumors or relieve symptoms.
- Palliative care – managing symptoms, nutrition, and quality of life from the start of treatment.
📖 Resource: NCCN Guidelines for Patients – Pancreatic Cancer
5. Explore Clinical Trials Early
Clinical trials test new drugs, combinations, and therapies. Enrolling early provides access to promising treatments that may improve outcomes beyond standard care.
Sky Foundation can help identify trials in Michigan and nationally. Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI) is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and has been since 1978. We are one of only 57 centers located in the United States. KCI is the only cancer hospital in the state of Michigan and our NCI designation ensures that we demonstrate scientific excellence as well as expertise in clinical, laboratory, behavioral and population-based research. We offer our patients cancer treatment and clinical trials not available at other hospitals, as well as welcome patients coming in for consultation for a second opinion.
Karmanos Cancer Institute – https://www.karmanos.org/karmanos/clinical-trials-at-karmanos-cancer-institute
📖 Resource: ClinicalTrials.gov – Pancreatic Cancer Studies
6. Build Your Care Team
A strong care team typically includes:
- Surgical oncologist – for surgical options.
- Medical oncologist – for chemotherapy and systemic therapy.
- Radiation oncologist – for targeted radiation when indicated.
- Gastroenterologist – for digestive issues and stent placement.
- Genetic counselor – for inherited cancer risk assessment.
- Nutritionist and palliative care specialists – for symptom and diet management.
Multidisciplinary coordination improves survival and quality of life.
📖 Resource: Mayo Clinic – Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Team
7. Prepare for Appointments
Bring a trusted family member or caregiver to appointments and keep written questions. Helpful questions include:
- What type and stage of pancreatic cancer do I have?
- Is my cancer potentially operable?
- What genetic or biomarker tests are recommended?
- What are the treatment options in my situation?
- Am I eligible for any clinical trials?
- What side effects should I expect?
📖 Resource: American Cancer Society – Questions to Ask Your Doctor
📖 Resource:Sky Foundation Inc – Questions for Yourself & Medical Team
8. Consider Supportive Resources
Newly diagnosed patients and caregivers benefit from:
- Patient navigation programs for clinical trial matching and insurance questions.
- Survivor and caregiver support groups to reduce isolation.
- Financial and legal counseling for managing treatment costs.
📖 Resource: CancerCare – Pancreatic Cancer Support
Here are some of the organizations we work closely with and collaborate on patient resources:
Key Takeaway
Your first steps should include confirming the diagnosis, seeking expert opinions, and undergoing genetic testing. Building a multidisciplinary care team and considering clinical trials early can expand treatment options and improve outcomes.
NEXT ARTICLE: Treatment Options