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New England Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk
SUPPORTING PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH
New England Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk
No Shave November
SUPPORTING PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH
No Shave November for The Lustgarten Foundation
Educational Symposium for Boston Scientific Employees
SUPPORTING PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH
Educational Symposium for Boston Scientific Employees

Pancreatic Cancer

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the pancreas2.

Learn more about pancreatic cancer, its prevalence and the importance of fundraising for research, by watching this video featuring Dr. Berzin of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Julie Weiss the "Marathon Goddess," and Cheryl Yacovone, a Boston Scientific employee. 

Prevalence

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the US

REFERENCES

  1. National Pancreas Foundation. www.pancreasfoundation.org
  2. Web MD. http://www.webmd.com/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/digestive-diseases-pancreatic-cancer 
  3. The Lustgarten Foundation. www.lustgarten.org
  4. MD Andersen Cancer Center. http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-types/pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis/index.html.
  5. American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreaticcancer/detailedguide/pancreatic-cancer-treating-surgery ; http://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreaticcancer/detailedguide/pancreatic-cancer-treating-chemotherapy

Functions of the Pancreas

The pancreas:

  • Makes enzymes to help digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates before they can be absorbed in the intestine1. 
  • Makes hormones, the most important of which is insulin, which control how the body uses and stores sugar (glucose), its main source of energy1.