Jerry Springer, the longtime television host and former mayor of Cincinnati, recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. While the exact timing of his diagnosis remains unknown, those close to him said his illness progressed quickly. This rapid progression is not uncommon with pancreatic cancer, a disease known for being hard to detect and difficult to treat.

Pancreatic cancer has claimed the lives of other notable figures, including Alex Trebek, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and John Lewis. Experts emphasize that the disease often advances silently, and by the time it's diagnosed, it may already be widespread.

Pancreatic Cancer Spreads Quickly and Is Hard to Spot

The pancreas is a small organ located near vital structures such as the stomach, liver, and small intestine. It plays a key role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. The pancreas contains two types of cells—exocrine cells, which help digest food, and endocrine cells, which produce hormones. Cancer can arise from either cell type, but exocrine tumors tend to be more aggressive.

Although pancreatic cancer is not among the most common types, it is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. The five-year survival rate is only 12%, mainly because most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Pancreatic cancer spreads quickly. Even small tumors can metastasize to other parts of the body, reducing the chances of successful surgical removal. Once the cancer spreads, surgery—the primary curative option—is often no longer viable.

One of the challenges is that early symptoms are subtle or mistaken for other conditions. Jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and even new-onset diabetes may appear, but these signs are often overlooked or attributed to other illnesses.

Additionally, pancreatic tumors are hard to detect with conventional imaging. Unlike breast or prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer doesn’t manifest in visible or easily felt ways. Even abdominal ultrasounds may not detect it early.

High-Risk Groups and What You Can Do

Despite its challenges, pancreatic cancer can be found early in some cases. A small number of patients survive thanks to early detection. However, there is currently no routine screening for the general population.

Instead, invasive diagnostic tests are reserved for those at high risk. This includes individuals with a strong family history of pancreatic cancer or known genetic mutations. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, often associated with breast cancer, also increase pancreatic cancer risk. Other genetic mutations may predispose individuals to pancreatitis and subsequent cancer.

If you have multiple family members diagnosed with pancreatic cancer—especially at a young age—it is essential to speak with your doctor about genetic testing. Identifying mutations can help determine if screening or early intervention is appropriate.

Pancreatic cancer occurs more frequently among certain demographics. Black Americans, men, smokers, older adults, and people who are overweight may face higher risks. Some recent studies also suggest rising cases among younger women.

Doctors may use imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs to evaluate high-risk individuals. If pancreatic cancer is detected, physicians assess whether surgery is possible. When tumors haven’t spread extensively, surgery may be an option. However, due to the pancreas' location, these procedures can be highly invasive.

Chemotherapy is often used alongside or instead of surgery. Although some immunotherapy options exist for specific pancreatic cancers, most current treatments have limited effectiveness. Compared to other cancers like melanoma or lung cancer, pancreatic cancer lacks curative immune-based therapies.

The Need for More Research and Awareness

While a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is serious, it’s not entirely hopeless. Ongoing research is exploring more effective treatments and improved genetic targeting to personalize therapy.

Historically, pancreatic cancer research has been underfunded. Greater public attention can lead to increased resources and awareness. Understanding the symptoms and risks associated with this cancer may help more people seek medical attention sooner, potentially improving survival rates.

Recognizing when something is not right in your body and acting on those concerns can make a critical difference. As awareness grows, so does the potential to diagnose this deadly disease earlier and offer better treatment options for patients.