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 6256 reviews

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Roger M.

Awesome crew, very professional and yet fun too. I was in and out with no issues. These people know what they’re doing!!!

Lorell L.

Efficient, professional, caring, convenient , and respectful treatment.

Jon L.

Dr. Donat and staff were wonderful.

Lisa D.

Everyone was very kind and super efficient!

Barbara M.

Every one was caring and prepared me for the colonoscopy with their clear instructions. The recovery room was pleasant and not rushed and was a good experience.

Nicole G.

Staff was great! Very pleasant. Dr. Weber was fantastic! He listened to my questions and answered every one. I didn't feel rushed and he was very kind.

Val D.

Dr Bologna is so professional and reassuring! Very friendly and compassionate as well. Thank you for your kindness.

JK C.

Every step of the process was characterized by efficient, personable professionals who made sure I was informed and comfortable with what was going on. Great work! Also, a happy, grateful shout-out to Lakeisha in Scheduling. I appreciate her upbeat spirit, professionalism, and patience in the several times I spoke with her regarding the appointment.

Jim R.

Knowledgeable and caring staff.

Janet M.

Very friendly, made me feel comfortable, explained everything.

Renato A.

On May 4th was my first experience at CDH, i was very impressed about the organization, efficiency, the cleaning and friendly environment of the clinic. Also thank you to doctor Desai.

Susan L.

Dr. Saeed did not seem rushed. I have a 30 yr history and recent health problems affecting my previous treatment. She listened to my concerns, can up with a plan of care, includinh my input/concerns. I feel confident in her ability to help me maintain control of my Chron's disease. Her office staff is also very pleasant and thorough. All in all very pleased with my first visit. Thank you.

Dan C.

The staff was very polite, efficient and caring. Dr. Donat was kind and attentive. I am very pleased with how the procedure went!

Kim H.

They’re like a fine oil machine someone to take care of all your needs make it comfortable and that’s over and done and you’re great

David F.

My wife was recently in the hospital. The ER determined she had diverticulitis. The CDH doctors took very good care of her. We had a post hospital visit that went well.

Cathleen M.

Staff very friendly and pleasant, great at introducing themselves, smiling and making you feel comfortable. I would suggest that it becomes a requirement or is strongly encouraged that someone be with the patient when the physician comes to speak with them regarding results post procedure, after anesthesia the patient will not remember this physician visit, which is expected.

Sandra T.

I recently had a colonoscopy performed by Dr. Donat at the Center for Digestive Health in Troy and I was very impressed with the staff, nurses and Dr. Donat. My procedure was painless and I was treated so kindly and I was very comfortable. After the procedure I was given a copy of the pictures of my colon explaining what the Dr. performed and he did come to me in the recovery room and explained everything, leaving me very relieved and informed. The nurses and Anesthesiologist were so kind and comforting. I would recommend this center to all my family and friends for all their surgical needs.

Steve C.

Saw Dr Bologne on a referral for 2nd opinion. Extremely pleased with that visit. He was 100% prepared and obviously read all the notes my doctor had provided. His diagnosis was much more thorough and thought-through than the 1st diagnosis I had received. Very glad I saw this practice and provider for a second opinion. Highly recommend.

Heidi M.

Dr Weber and the whole team at the Surgical Centers of Michigan were fantastic. Everyone was knowledgeable and efficient. So thankful to receive such good care while in their hands.

John K.

All the nurses are very informative and kind, would recommend this facility to everyone.

Jessica

Office staff is very helpful and kind.

Mark A.

Been going here for years for treatment of my GERD. Great staff, great doctor. Dr. Webber is awesome!

YAIRA S.

Dr. Jack Tocco is truly exceptional! From the moment I walked into his office, I felt heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. He took the time to listen to my complex medical history, asked thoughtful questions, and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. He never made me feel rushed or dismissed — instead, I felt like I had a true partner in my care. His knowledge, professionalism, and kindness stood out immediately. I left the appointment feeling more confident and hopeful than I’ve felt in a long time. If you’re looking for a GI doctor who actually takes the time to understand YOU as a person and not just a list of symptoms, Dr. Tocco is the one. Highly, highly recommend!

Pete D.

Quick, professional, and clean. This was the easiest colonoscopy ever. Not that I love the process, but My Doctor, Dr. Bakken, is exceptional.

sandy B.

The people at the facility were very kind and gentle.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6261 reviews

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Rosemary P.

Dr. Wille and his staff are always kind and welcoming.

John J.

The staff here was very friendly and put me at ease with the whole experience.

Thomas A L.

very nice and helpful staff awesome Doctors, and PA. very caring and concerning about the problem.

Tom F.

Dr. Sante Bologna, this guy is professional and personable, anesthesiologist, comforting, Informative front desk, staff, professional, and friendly to make me feel welcome and comfortable , I don't think I I was in the waiting room five minutes Before the young and energetic staff asked me to go with them. This is the place to be if this is a place you've got to go lol

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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