Pancreatic Cancer Prevention

Our mission is simple: prevention.

Whether a patient has pancreatic cysts, a family history of pancreatic cancer, or a genetic predisposition for this disease, they can rely on UT Southwestern's Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program for outstanding care. Our patients' health is always our top priority.

Our experts are at the forefront of medical care and research to prevent pancreatic cancer from ever happening. This commitment guides our care for each patient who entrusts their health to us.

Experienced in Extraordinary Care

UT Southwestern has established one of the largest and most comprehensive pancreatic cancer prevention programs in the United States. Our specialists provide highly advanced care built on groundbreaking science to evaluate, monitor, and treat pancreatic diseases.

Gastroenterologists, radiologists, surgical oncologists, advanced practice providers, genetic counselors, and a care coordinator are all part of our Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program. They work together as a team to determine the most appropriate care plans for every patient we see.

We're also committed to providing clear information about each patient's diagnosis and care plan and answering their questions. Communicating is one of the ways we work to help patients feel empowered and engaged with their health.

Prompt Evaluation and Answers

Initial appointments are scheduled as quickly as possible with our Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program care team.

Please keep in mind that a patient is already under our care before their first in-person appointment. We begin reviewing their medical information immediately after receiving the referral. This helps us prepare a highly personalized, comprehensive plan of care during their first visit to our clinic.

To help plan for that first visit to our clinic and to find out what information we’ll need, please read What to Expect.

Our navigator – an experienced nurse who is part of our care team – is available to answer questions at any time, including before we see a patient in person for the first time.

Prevention Matters

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early. That’s why we focus on identifying individuals who are at highest risk for developing this disease and monitoring those with worrisome changes in the pancreas.

Our Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program’s approach includes:

Personalized care plans for each patient
Guidance to help prevent pancreatic cancer before it begins
Surveillance to monitor for pancreatic abnormalities

Less than 1 percent of pancreatic cysts become cancerous. By keeping them under surveillance, the UTSW Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program’s experts can stop or detect cancer in its early stages.

Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program Highlights

Multidisciplinary review of high-risk patients by experts in pancreatic diseases and prevention, including UT Southwestern gastroenterologists, radiologists, surgical oncologists, advanced practice providers, nurses, genetic counselors, and our program's care coordinator
Surgeons with extensive experience performing pancreatic surgery
Direct access to genetics experts for patients with a significant family history of pancreatic or other related cancers
Leader in research to innovate care, including identifying markers of risk for the development of pancreatic cancer

What to Expect During the First Appointment

Expect the UT Southwestern Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program’s navigator to contact the patient before their first visit to our clinic. This member of our team – who is a registered nurse and an expert in pancreatic diseases – will be available to answer any questions patients have before or after their first appointment.

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