About Our Pancreatic Cancer Center
When you choose Orlando Health Cancer Institute for pancreatic cancer care, you’re choosing more than just expert treatment — you’re choosing a team that acts fast, listens deeply and always looks at the person beyond the diagnosis. As home to Central Florida’s first Pancreatic Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic, we bring together top specialists under one roof to create a personalized plan that meets your needs and moves quickly from diagnosis to treatment. With advanced imaging, surgical expertise, access to clinical trials and compassionate support services all in one place, we’re here to help you face this diagnosis with clarity, confidence and care that is fast but never feels rushed.
Risk Factors
We still don’t know what causes pancreatic cancer, other than that it is related to changes in cellular DNA. It is unknown what triggers those changes. However, research points to various factors that can increase your risk. Some of these can be modified through diet and lifestyle changes, while others cannot. Risk factors include:
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Advanced age
About two-thirds of patients are at least 65 years old.
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Chronic pancreatitis
This chronic inflammation of the pancreas often is related to smoking and heavy alcohol use.
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Diabetes
The risk, for unknown reasons, is higher for people with type 2 diabetes.
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Family history of pancreatic cancer
The disease runs in some families, though most people who get it do not have a family history of pancreatic cancer.
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Inherited genetic disease
Certain genetic syndromes that are passed from parent to child are responsible for about 10 percent of cases. Among these are familial pancreatitis, Lynch syndrome, and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome.
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Obesity
People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more are 20 percent more likely to develop the disease.
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Smoking
Tobacco use is one of the strongest risk factors and may account for a quarter of all pancreatic cancers. Smokers are twice as likely to get it compared with people who have never smoked.
Meet the Pancreatic Cancer Center Team
Our nationally recognized physicians at the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Orlando Health Cancer Institute offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment options for pancreatic cancer.
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Clinical Trials
Orlando Health Cancer Institute participates in clinical trials, testing and evaluating the latest therapies, treatments, screening and diagnostic tools for pancreatic cancer.
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Diagnosis and Treatment
Orlando Health Cancer Institute’s multidisciplinary approach to treating prostate cancer offers you the best care possible.
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Resources
There are many types of pancreatic cancer, though they fall into two groups, based on the type of cell where they start.
Request an Appointment
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or is seeking a second opinion, now is the time to connect with the experts at Orlando Health Cancer Institute. Scheduling your appointment is the first step toward clarity, confidence and compassionate care.
Navigate Your Health
Find a Cancer Physician
Find a Cancer Physician
Meet our doctors who specialize in the full range of cancer care. Our team of experts has experience in a variety of specialty areas. Together, we provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options.
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Patient Portal
If you are a patient at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, our free online patient portal provides an easy and secure way to manage your health information. Reach us from any location at a time that’s convenient for you.
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Virtual Visit
Virtual Visit
Need to talk with a doctor, but don’t want to leave your home? Try our virtual visit (telehealth) option to connect with a physician from your phone, tablet or computer.
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