Pancreatic cancer is the 11th most common cancer globally. In 2018, there were 458,918 new cases and 432,242 deaths worldwide.
There are various ways in which a doctor may classify pancreatic cancer:
STAGING OF PANCREATIC CANCER
If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, your doctor will run more tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. The stage of your cancer is based on the size and spread of the tumour and helps your doctor decide which treatments are optimum.
Sources: Bray F, Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Siegel RL, Torre LA, Jemal A. Global cancer statistics 2018; European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) ; American Cancer Society
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR PANCREATIC CANCER
TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC CANCER
Side effects: Each surgery carries the risk of bleeding and infection. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, leakage of stomach content into the abdomen etc.
Sources: European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO); Mayo Clinic; Cancer.Net; Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; National Cancer Institute
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT): Unlike most other diseases, cancer treatment requires an integrated approach from several specialists, each with their own expertise. This team of specialists who would work together on your cancer, is referred to as the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Many global organisations have recognized the importance of a MDT for cancer treatment, as it improves coordinated care to you, as a patient. Your MDT would include specialists from the following:
Some hospitals that take an organ-based approach to cancer, have a separate department for Hepatobiliary Cancers (Liver, Gall bladder and also pancreas). These teams comprise of specialists who have dedicated training in cancers of the Hepatobiliary system.
TUMOR BOARD: A tumor board is a meeting where a Multi-Disciplinary Team discusses cancer cases and share knowledge. The board’s goal is to determine the best possible cancer treatment and care plan for an individual patient. Having fresh perspectives from other doctors makes it much easier to come up with that plan.
In some hospitals, all cancer cases are discussed at the Tumor Board, while in other hospitals the Tumor Board focuses on cases where a doctor seeks inputs from other specialists on the patient's case. It’s OK to ask your doctor if or why your case was discussed at a tumor board. Or if it wasn’t, why not? In some cases, a patient’s treatment plan is very straightforward using standard treatment guidelines, and the doctor may feel a tumor board review isn’t needed. However, you can request that one be done.
SUPPORT GROUPS: These are offline or online groups that connect patients suffering from cancer. Do find out about a support group around you. The hospital where you are being treated may have a support group that you could join.
Sources: Mayo Clinic;
Choosing your oncologist and hospital is a very important decision, we recommend you make the time to research your options. We profile doctors and hospitals based on range of services they offer to treat pancreatic cancer. Use our search tools to guide your selection of a medical provider. You may call us for any assistance during making a selection and booking.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you need to find an oncologist to begin your treatment. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. For pancreatic cancer, you can start by visiting a surgical oncologist or a medical oncologist. Choose someone you are not only confident about but also comfortable with.
TIPS TO FIND AN ONCOLOGIST
TIPS TO FIND A HOSPITAL
Sources: Rogel Cancer Center; Cancer.Net
Source: Cancer Research UK
Source: John Hopkins Pathology
Source: digestive-health.jeaken.com
Source: eMedTV
Source: Cancer Research UK
Source: Get Palliative Care
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Share your details to receive a Call Back from our team.
Share your details to receive a Call Back from our team.
It is a unique peer-support network of cancer survivors, for patients. By being a part of this network, you can support patients by speaking to them on a call.
Why should I join the Canswer network?
Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge experiences”. Only you, the survivor, has the real experience to support and guide patients who are still fighting cancer. Most patients say talking to a survivor is an important way of dealing with the disease. We want this network to provide a simple way for survivors to support patients, by just making a call.
What is expected of me during the call?
Simply share your experience with the patient honestly. Most patients may have questions on situations that cancer patients face commonly, you can use your own experience to answer. Good listening and encouragement can do wonders.
How will I know if any patient wants to talk to me?
Patients who find your profile as a match can request an introduction to you through our website. Our team will get in touch with you to seek a time that is convenient for you to take the call. We will schedule the call to introduce you to the patient at the appointed time.
Will my identity and contact details be shared?
Your contact details (such as name, phone, email, etc.) are never shared with anyone. We will facilitate the call using a phone line that doesn’t reveal your number during the call.
How much time do I have to devote, if I join this network?
Calls are only setup after taking a prior appointment with you. There is no expectation of minimum or maximum number of calls you have to take, it’s totally up to you. The normal duration of a call is up to 20-30 mins. If the patient needs more time, we request them to schedule a separate call.
Do I get paid for attending calls?
Yes. We appreciate the time you make from your busy schedule to support patients. As a token of appreciation, we provide Rs. 1000/- at the end of every five calls you support.
Please follow these Do’s and Don’ts while guiding patients or caregivers:
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Note: DCode Care doesn’t charge anything to patients for coordinating enquiries and booking appointments to its patients.