This guide provides clear, step-by-step information to help you understand your diagnosis, explore your options, and connect with the support you need.
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Understanding Your Diagnosis
Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas — an organ that helps regulate blood sugar and produces enzymes for digestion. The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which arises in the ducts of the pancreas. Less common types include neuroendocrine tumors.
Staging — localized, borderline resectable, locally advanced, or metastatic — is determined through imaging (CT, MRI, EUS) and biopsy. Understanding your stage is the first step toward making informed treatment decisions.
📖 Trusted Resource: National Cancer Institute – Pancreatic Cancer
Next Steps After Diagnosis
Take things one step at a time. These are the key actions that can make a real difference in your care and outcomes.
Confirm Your Diagnosis & Stage
Use imaging, biopsy, and bloodwork (including CA 19-9) to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of your pancreatic cancer. This is the foundation for every decision that follows.
Seek a Second Opinion at a High-Volume Center
Outcomes often improve when care is coordinated through high-volume cancer centers. Sky Foundation partners closely with Henry Ford Health, Karmanos Cancer Institute, and the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center — and we can help connect you directly to any of these hospital systems upon request.
Get Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is now standard for all pancreatic cancer patients. It not only helps guide treatment, but also gives your family valuable insight into their own potential risks. If you have a first-degree relative with pancreatic cancer, we strongly encourage scheduling genetic testing. Find a genetic counselor near you on our Genetic Counselors Page.
Understand Your Treatment Pathways
Common treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials, and palliative care. Understanding each pathway helps you and your care team make informed decisions tailored to your needs. See the Treatment Options section below.
Explore Clinical Trials Early
Access to new and emerging therapies can improve survival and quality of life. We recommend TriCan Health, which can match your specific case details to active clinical trials that may be the best fit for you.
Build a Multidisciplinary Care Team
Assemble a team that includes experienced surgeons, oncologists, gastroenterologists, and nutritionists. If you’re a candidate for the Whipple procedure, research your surgeon carefully — experience matters. Look for someone who has performed hundreds, ideally thousands of successful Whipple surgeries. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and gather all the information you need.
Prepare for Your Appointments
Bring a trusted caregiver and a written list of questions to each visit. Staying organized ensures you get the answers and support you need at every step. See our Questions for Yourself and Your Medical Team page.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your cancer’s stage, location, and your overall health. Here are the main approaches your care team may discuss with you.
🔬 Surgery
Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy — performed with curative intent when the tumor is resectable.
💉 Chemotherapy
Common regimens include FOLFIRINOX, gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel, or gemcitabine alone. Often used before or after surgery.
☢️ Radiation Therapy
For borderline resectable or locally advanced disease, or for symptom relief in advanced cases.
🧬 Targeted & Immunotherapy
PARP inhibitors for BRCA1/2 mutations; pembrolizumab for MSI-H tumors. Genetic testing helps determine eligibility.
🧪 Clinical Trials
Access to new and emerging therapies — consider enrolling early. See the section below for how to find the right trial.
🤝 Palliative Care
Pain management, nutrition counseling, enzyme replacement, and emotional support — available at any stage alongside other treatments.
Clinical Trials Access
Clinical trials test new therapies, including targeted drugs and immunotherapies. Patients often benefit from enrolling early — clinical trials are not a last resort.
“Clinical Trials should be the Appetizer, not the Dessert.”
— Kay Kays, Pancreatic Cancer Survivor
Resources for Patients & Caregivers
Patient Navigation
NCI patient navigator programs help with scheduling, trial enrollment, and coordinating your care.
Financial Support
CancerCare, Patient Advocate Foundation, and Social Security Compassionate Allowances.
Caregiver Resources
Cancer Support Community — programs and guides for those caring for a loved one.
Nutrition & Symptom Management
Johns Hopkins Medicine – Nutrition — guidance on eating well during treatment.
Support & Emotional Well-Being
Emotional health is an important part of your care. You don’t have to go through this alone.
🧠 Counseling & Mental Health
Oncology social workers, psychologists, and cancer support groups can help manage anxiety, depression, and the emotional challenges that come with a diagnosis.
👥 Peer Support Communities
Our community includes many individuals who have personally experienced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Join our Facebook Support Group or consider joining one of our Boards or Committees.
🌿 Integrative Therapies
Practices such as meditation, yoga, gentle exercise, and nutrition support can improve overall well-being and quality of life during treatment.
🫶 Caregiver Health
Caring for a loved one can be emotionally and physically demanding. We recommend reaching out to Gilda’s Club for trusted caregiver support and respite care resources.
Connect with a Sky Advocate
Many of our Board Members, Committee Members, and volunteers are either survivors or have supported a loved one through a pancreatic cancer journey. Let us match you with someone who understands.
Glossary & FAQ
Adenocarcinoma
Most common pancreatic cancer type, arising in the ductal lining.
Biopsy
Tissue sampling procedure to confirm a diagnosis.
CA 19-9
A tumor marker used for monitoring treatment response — not for initial diagnosis.
EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound)
Imaging test providing detailed evaluation of the pancreas.
Whipple Procedure
Complex surgery for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
Palliative Care
Specialized care to improve quality of life alongside active treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is staging determined?
Staging is determined through imaging (CT, MRI, EUS), biopsy results, and assessment of tumor spread. Your care team will evaluate whether the cancer is localized, borderline resectable, locally advanced, or metastatic.
Should I get genetic testing?
Yes — genetic testing is now recommended for all pancreatic cancer patients. It can help guide treatment decisions and provides important risk information for your family members.
What if surgery isn’t possible?
If surgery isn’t an option, there are still meaningful treatment pathways including chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Your oncologist can help determine the best combination for your situation.
Where can I find clinical trials?
We recommend TriCanHealth.com, which can match your specific case details to active clinical trials. You can also discuss options with your oncology team.
You Are Not Alone in This
Pancreatic cancer care requires expert guidance, advanced treatments, and strong support systems. At Sky Foundation, we are here to connect patients and caregivers with top medical teams, clinical trial opportunities, and a community that understands this journey.
