The Weill Cornell Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program is dedicated to the prevention and early detection of pancreatic cancer. The program offers intensive, advanced evaluation and monitoring for patients at the highest risk of pancreatic cancer, before they develop late-stage disease.
What is Pancreatic Cancer Screening?
Pancreatic cancer screening is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation designed to detect cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions while still at a curable stage.
Patients in the Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program often receive the following services:
- Consultation with a genetic counselor to discuss your family history and unique, individual risk profile
- Consultation with an advanced endoscopist, surgeon, and/or expert pancreatologist to discuss your personalized screening plan
- Advanced imaging with accurate, pancreas-focused MRI or MRCP imaging
- MRI: A noninvasive scan using magnetic fields (no radiation)
- MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography): A type of MRI that specifically visualizes the pancreatic and bile ducts and is ideal for mapping cysts, duct anatomy, and overall pancreatic structure
- Advanced endoscopic diagnostics with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- EUS allows for precise visualization of the pancreas, as well as the option to sample pancreatic fluid for even more predictive testing
- A customized plan for follow-up and monitoring, tailored to each individual’s unique risk assessment
Early detection can be lifesaving.
Our team combines expertise in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), MRI/MRCP, and genetic and radiologic assessment to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Who Should Be Screened?
Our screening program is recommended for any person who believes he or she may be at increased risk for developing pancreatic cancer.
Common conditions that can place a person at increased risk include:
- A family history of pancreatic cancer
- A known genetic mutation (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, Lynch, CDKN2A)
- Hereditary pancreatitis or a related syndrome
- Acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis
- New-onset diabetes without another clear cause
- A history of pancreatic cystic lesions
