Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas, which is an organ in the abdomen, behind the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas helps with digestion and releases hormones that regulate your blood sugar levels.

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is typically not detected in its early stages when it is easier to treat. Instead, it usually is detected when it spreads to other areas of the body.

What causes pancreatic cancer?

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unclear, but there are certain factors that increase the risk. Smoking, diabetes, being overweight, being over age 65, and a genetic or family history can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer is also more common among people who have chronic inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis.

Is pancreatic cancer preventable?

You can reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer by giving up smoking if you are a cigarette smoker. It is also helpful to maintain a healthy weight and follow a nutritious diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

How is pancreatic cancer treated?

Treatment for pancreatic cancer will vary depending upon the exact location and stage of the cancer, as well as a person’s health and preferences. The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer, if possible. If this is not possible, the goal is to stop the spread of the cancer and keep a person as comfortable as possible. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these options. In some cases, palliative care, in which the goal is to relieve pain and improve a person’s quality of life, may be beneficial.

Common Symptoms

“I noticed stomach pain that was radiating to my back, and I was losing weight without even trying, because I had no appetite.”
“I had itchy skin, and I noticed that both my skin and the whites of my eyes had a yellow tint.”
“I experienced extreme fatigue, and my urine was darker than usual.”

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355421

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6261 reviews

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Carol

Office and Medical staff are amazing!! Made an unpleasant procedure very comfortable. Highly recommend Dr. Willie.

bob R.

Dr Willy and his team have the best bed side manners. I had two procedures done and was in and out in 1 hour. I would highly recommend!!!

William S.

Kind,courteous and competent from start to finish.

Kristen B.

Great nurses and quick turnaround in and out for colonoscopy.

Peggy M.

Dr Wille Richard was so easy to talk to and he made me feel right at home

Joel H.

Great experience, very professional yet compassionate towards the patients.

D B.

Dr Weber and his staff are fabulous. I’ve been a patient here for more than 20 years now. The only way I’ll ever leave is if they kick me out, lol. This type of care is priceless. I feel blessed to have found Dr Weber. And my husband sees another doctor in the office - Dr Donut - both are fabulous!

Padma T.

Very friendly, courteous staff. Made it easy to make appointments and supportive during the visit. Highly Recommend.

Robyn F.

Very professional, staff was super friendly and thoughtful and doctors were very engaging and kind. I felt very comfortable. Thank you staff for making an uncomfortable procedure feel safe and relaxing!

Gerald W.

I felt very at ease with my procedure.

Leanna N.

Dr. John Weber is an outstanding doctor. I've had 4 colonoscopies at this center and his friendly professional personality makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. His staff follows his lead and are excellent as well. You are in good hands with Dr. Weber at the Center for digestive Health.

Ann K.

Everyone was very nice.

Robert B.

I have had several preventative digestive tract inspections performed by Dr. Weber. The-procedure prep. Is explained very clearly and is leasier than in the past

Lori L.

Everything and everyone was terrific!

Nick C.

Everything done promptly & courteously. Started on time & finished around expected timing. IV installed & retracted painlessly without any bad effects from poor handling. This was my experience. We came early & were admitted immediately. Everyone was overtly informative as what they would be doing in their part of the process. I was actually completed in the time I thought I would be beginning. My in office recovery was quick & complete. I wish all my medical encounters were done this way. Something to brag about instead of complaining. What a way to conduct business. Everyone deserves my gracious thanks.

Michelle L. H.

The staff is amazing! From the receptionist, to the nurses Michelle, Vicki, Chelsea, and Dr Bologna. Thank you for the care and attention and even the smiles.

Jean C.

I was very pleased with the way everyone was very professional about the whole process. The nurses, aides, secretary , and Dr. Bologna. They all were very kind and made me very comfortable. Thank you and God Bless

Paula R.

Friendly staff, they have the whole process streamlined. Whole process was seamless.

C V.

They ALWAYS are polite, professional, courteous very kind

Camie F.

Had a good experience and would recommend this place for your procedure! Dr. Nandi was kind and reassured me that I was in good hands for my colonoscopy! The staff was friendly and knowledgeable! The not so good part was the prep the day before. The colonoscopy was a breeze!

Alexandrea H.

Dr. Bologna and his entire staff are total pros. Highly recommend!

Bruce L.

Made me feel comfortable with the whole procedure very professional

Ken J.

Greta people, professional, really make you feel comfortable.

Travis M.

Very good

Jason K.

Nothing but positive things to say about my visit. All the staff was very pleasant, they took time to make sure any questions were answered, and they treated me like I was the only person there not just another patient. Dr Bakken was receptive to all questions and made me feel at ease while in her care.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6266 reviews

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Yesmain R.

Roger was undoubtedly the best nurse experience I’ve ever encountered!!

Lolita M.

It was a calm and peaceful experience.

Joan E.

Received prompt attention at receiving desk. All nurses and doctor were very efficient and kind to me. Very happy with positive results of the Procedure!

Kristie R.

I felt well taken care of during my whole colonoscopy procedure.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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