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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Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6266 reviews

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Linda S.

Dr Webber is the best. His nurses are wonderful too!

Toryco T.

Dr Weber and his staff were very professional. The packet they gave me was extremely helpful. The prep was easy to follow. I highly recommend Dr Weber and the Center for Digestive Health.

Lisa O.

Hands down the best staff ever!!!!! Everyone is kind and explain clearly. The nurses try and boost your spirit. The doctor I had was Dr. Bologna who was fantastic and a real delight to have for a specialist. 10/10

Joan G.

Everyone was very professional and friendly from the moment I walked in the door. The best service I ever received at a Phycian's office. Thank you all.

Itzpersonal I.

Wonderful staff. The nurses and Dr. A were professional and informative.

Sharon S.

Everyone was so nice here and took wonderful care of me. I would definitely recommend this surgical center.

Pete L.

The young reception Lady, was the only downside to my visit. Not very courteous. The other two employees ( Matt & the PA Noel were fantastic)

Glenn M.

The staff at Macomb Endoscopy Center are very knowledgeable and caring individuals and made my procedure relatively painless .Thank you !

Felicia E.

This is the second time we have had a procedure through this office. All of the personnel I dealt with were very professional and pleasant. The doctor updated me on the results timely. I would recommend them wholeheartedly.

Barbara T.

Great service and very nice and pleasant people. Quick and wonderful service and staff.

Linda P.

My husband was checked in in a timely manner and the procedure completed equally as quick. Staff is very friendly and explained the procedure thoroughly. He was well taken care of in recovery and Dr. Quallich spoke to us within 10 min with the results. Very efficient all around. Definitely a 5 star experience!

Heidi H.

Professional, Kind, Caring, Thorough with a great bedside manner!

LiAnne E.

I've been in desperate search for a new GI for quite some time now after not experiencing much with my last one. I got in to see Dr. Khan a week after calling due to a cancellation, while other places were booked out months ahead. The Macomb office was clean and her medical assistant Margaret is so sweet, empathetic, and easy to talk to. Dr. Khan was very honest, efficient, and clear in explaining every option. So far, since my first appointment, I've already done three different tests and am super impressed with the very active follow-up and helping me hopefully (finally) resolve my ongoing stomach issues!! I have already recommended them to all my other friends who also experience similar GI related issues.

Arnold W.

Everyone was very professional and helpful. Dr Weber is great as I have been seeing him once a year for 5 years now. I highly recommend this facility.

Mary S.

Staff was very thorough and seemed quite knowledgeable.

Belinda

Everyone there is so kind, very understanding, very quick and positive experience.

B. L.

Dr Bologna and staff were helpful and friendly. Though the initial appointment call wasnt great: he scheduled me in the afternoon erroneously, and his directions on my diabetes meds conflicted with the followup paperwork -- how much to cut back on or what to cut out completely. But the other staff clarified and corrected all that after a bit of phone tag.

Ann W.

Love Dr Abadir. He listens and doesn't rush you. He's very friendly. Had a colonoscopy and everyone was great.

Taylor W.

Dr.Bakken is the best, down to earth and listens to what you have to say. Very kind staff that make you feel comfortable during procedures.

Kent E J.

Professional, personal, and caring.

Ana G.

The staff are very friendly and the doctor give you enough time in the appointment, he listen and ask you about your health. My husband and me are very happy that we find this doctor and finally we can said the staff are amazing either 😀

Lorraine S.

My experience with the CDG Surgical Center was excellent. There had been some confusion in the referral process (not on their part). Once I explained the situation, the doctor and her staff were flexible and quickly adjusted to meet my needs. They were timely, thorough, and polite. I highly recommend Dr. Bakken.

Able60

Dr Bakken and her staff were so attentive and efficient in their care of me, it was a totally pleasant experience. Each staff member were very professional in their duties.

Bill E.

The experience was great. No waiting time and Dr. Weber and his staff were very pleasant. All in all a very nice experience. I would highly recommend them.

Gail P.

My telehealth appointment was productive and effective. The doctor was attentive and engaged. The ability to view the doctor and have the doctor view me was especially important for this appointment.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6271 reviews

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Jeanette D.

Efficient, caring and friendly service

jaclyn S.

I have had a few of my colonoscopy procedures with the Center for Digestive Health. They have been professional and efficient, providing help along the way getting clearance from my doctor. The whole experience was quick and relatively easy. If you're looking for a gastrointestinal doctor, this is the place to be.

bernard G.

Doctor was very knowledgeable and advised me what he thinks is the best treatment for me .

Youngh L.

Thank you so much to the staff who helped me complete all the tests in peace Everyone was kind and nice The doctor did a great job of testing It was a great visit

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

Christina N. Brown, 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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