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 6229 reviews

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Pam M.

Very kind and attentive staff, and Dr Baaken is so compassionate! Never a fun procedure to go through, but they all make you feel so comfortable and cared for every step of the way.

Veronica

Very pleased with my medical visit. Very professional and friendly.

Larry B.

Always a wonderful experience. Kind and considerate.

sarab J.

Everyone from Dr. Willie to the nurses and staff are the best.

Jeff N.

I had a great experience at the Center for Digestive Health. They took very good care of me. The nurses, anesthesiologist, and Dr. Bologna were all wonderful. I highly recommend this office.

Suzanne S.

Very, very professional. Caring, attentive. Dr Wille is the best.

Osmanis M.

My experience at this place was excellent; the entire staff is very professional, and the way they care for patients is outstanding—you really feel you are in good hands. They are very understanding and professional. I don't know the name of the nurse who attended to me in my cubicle—she had dark, wavy, shoulder-length hair, light-colored eyes, and a somewhat husky voice. I don't know her name, but thank you so much; she was one of the best—very personable, professional, and understanding. This was on the morning of July 7, 2026. The anesthesiologist was a middle-aged woman with distinctive black glasses; she was very professional in everything she did, acting with great confidence. And the doctor and endoscopy specialist, Mr. Razvan C. Opreanu—thank you very much; he is one of the best in Lansing. I also don't want to forget the other nurse—the blonde one whose name I also don't know—who woke me up from anesthesia; she was very sweet and professional throughout the process. I do wish she had let me sleep for another five minutes, though—I was really enjoying it! Lol. Thank you to everyone.

rick W.

Very good experience. Pre-procedure communication through post procedure could not have been better.

Cheri B.

Excellent place. All the people here are top notch , friendly efficient and professional.

kavitha K.

Very happy with the place . All the staff and Dr. Tocco were amazing. Getting appointment was easy and they scheduled the procedure within 4 days. Please visit this place for your edg or colonoscopy needs. They are just amazing. Thank you

Katrina S.

I absolutely loved the staff and how they took the time to explain everything to me

Elaine C.

Very impressed with the staff throughout the whole procedure. The entire staff was very kind and professional, it was a positive experience.

Sheryl T.

Fast, efficient, friendly very professional service.

Michelle B.

Great team. Everything went smoothly from start to finish. Caring staff. Knowledgeable. Would highly recommend

James T.

Good overall experience.

Donna S.

Everyone was prompt, friendly and very helpful and professional.

Jim S.

The Team, everyone at Digestive Health, is fantastic. I fully recommend them to everyone.

Sharon M.

Quick efficient friendly. If I have to have another will go back to this clinic.

Susan D.

Great anesthesia. But my prep was too aggressive. I have heard of other Drs with a better prep. I will be switching to another dr for next colonoscopy

Rosalee O.

Dr. Nandi and his team are the best. They make you feel so comfortable. Really....I won't at my pictures, LOL!!!!

Jayne L.

This office is the absolute best. Always have a positive experience. Everyone is very professional and caring!

Jim F.

Very professional and made the process seamless 10 out of 10!

annette E.

I recently had two procedures on June 26th, 2025. Upon arriving at the office, the staff was friendly and helpful. Check-in was seamless, and I barely waited before being called. The team efficiently gathered my information and assured me I’d be seen shortly. Within five minutes, I was in a room. The nurse and CRNA gathered more information and then the CRNA promptly wheeled me to the procedure room. Both the assistant and doctor were already there, ready and kind. The CRNA and assistant quickly got me all set up, and before I knew it, I was awake and ready to go. A kind staff member even escorted me to my car afterward. Overall, it was a 5-star experience!

Ferid A.

Check-in and orientation went smoothly and the examination was completed in “no” time (could be anesthesia time).

NICOLE L.

Dr. Qualich and his staff are truly amazing. My husband and I both see him after going to someone else who we didn’t care for due to the lack of compassion. This is definitely not the case here as every single person we have encountered shows they truly care about you and your health. I rarely do reviews but I highly recommend Dr. Qualich and am extremely grateful to have found him for my health needs.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6234 reviews

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Danny W.

Was fantastic,Dr. Willie and all of the staff afe great

Scott K.

Great experience from scheduling appointment through prep, procedure, and follow up.

Michael J.

Great staff and service.

Eric F.

Everything went well. The staff were all friendly and efficient. The facility was very clean and comfortable. The Macomb Township location is extremely convenient in terms of parking and accessibility. The physician was professional with a good bedside manner. She was also prompt with following up after hours.

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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