When you make an appointment with the Duke Pancreatic Cancer Program, you will speak directly with the clinical coordinator who will discuss your case with you.

The clinical coordinator will determine if any additional tests and appointments are needed. For your convenience, in most cases, your medical appointments and tests will be scheduled on the same day.

• If you have suspected pancreatic cancer and have not received a pathologic diagnosis, you will be evaluated by one of our surgeons who specialize in pancreatic diseases. You may also be evaluated by one our gastroenterologists who specialize in pancreatic disease diagnosis.
• If you are newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you will see members of our multidisciplinary team including a surgeon, medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist.  You will also have the opportunity to meet with a gastroenterologist if additional testing is needed.
• If you have metastatic pancreatic cancer, you will be seen and evaluated by our medical oncologists who are chemotherapy specialists. You may also be a candidate for a clinical trial.

Your history will be reviewed with you before your arrival at Duke. If there are additional tests or procedures needed to fully evaluate your situation, these may be scheduled before or on the day of your clinic appointment.

Each of the team members work closely together to provide you with an optimal treatment plan based on their expertise as well as published literature. You will receive educational materials about recommended treatments.

At the end of your visit, you will receive a multidisciplinary plan of treatment that will be discussed with you by each of the specialists whom evaluate you. Your referring physician and primary care physician will receive a copy of your recommended treatment plan to assist with continuity of care.

You will also have the opportunity to see a member of the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program and learn about other support services available through the Duke Gastrointestinal Oncology Program.

Pancreatic Cancer Patient Navigators

• Kara Penne, RN, MSN, ANP, at Duke University Hospital
• Brenda Wilcox, RN, BSN, at Duke Raleigh Hospital