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Modern Medicine: Pancreatic Cancer
11/06/09 - 12:58 PM
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November is pancreatic cancer awareness month.  It’s one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Dona Townsend lost her husband to pancreatic cancer in 2005.  L.T. Townsend was only 44 years old when he lost his battle. 

“I miss that he won’t be here to see grandchildren or walk his daughter down the aisle,” Dona said as she fought back tears.

Doctors say pancreatic cancer is so deadly because it’s difficult to detect at an early stage.  Dona and her daughter Alisha hope increased awareness will change that, and they have hope for the future.

“I hope that eventually when someone is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that they can live with it.  That there are treatments that can progress their life,” explained Alisha. 

Gastroenterologist Dr. Christopher Wells says research in genetic testing will help doctors better detect those at risk in the future.  He also says tumor markers found in the blood stream or stool may soon provide clues.

L.T.‘s daughter Alisha now works for the American Cancer Society.  If you would like more information about the American Cancer Society’s services or fundraising programs, you can call the local office at 785-9205.