Ask us anything. Pancreatic cancer

Key facts

• More than 4,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Australia each year
• Third biggest cause of cancer deaths in Australia
• Tipped to be the second biggest cancer killer by 2030

I find it absolutely amazing the number of people who come up to me and say they either have a friend or family member who has been recently diagnosed with pancreatic disease.

More than 4,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Australia this year, but the outcomes are poor due to late detection.

80 per cent of patients will have tumours that aren’t operable.

Associate Professor Andrew Metz, Director of the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth, is surprised how many people have been touched by pancreatic disease.

“When I talk about working with pancreatic disease, I find it absolutely amazing the number of people who come up to me and say they either have a friend or family member who has been recently diagnosed with pancreatic disease,” A/Prof Metz said.

In the latest episode of the Epworth exclusive series ‘Ask us anything’, gastroenterologist A/Prof Metz, tackles some of the common questions around pancreatic disease.

The episode looks at coping with a cancer diagnosis, new treatments for pancreatic cancer at Epworth, and Australia’s first full time, dedicated pancreatic nurse coordinator at Epworth.

“The pancreatic nurse coordinator is there as the first point of call for patients and their families, helping to direct them regarding the next step in their treatment; helping to give education and advice and even a shoulder to cry on. We strongly believe this not only prevents midnight visits to the emergency department, but it helps with quality of life and patient outcomes,” A/Prof Metz said.

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