Anita Erickson Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Program

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. In 2015, there were 49,000 new diagnoses with almost as many deaths (41,000). Early disease detection can change this.

As the first in Southern California and one of only a few centers in the U.S., Hoag Family Cancer Institute now offers a clinical research study and early detection program to assess individuals at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this program is to improve the outcomes for individuals at risk for pancreatic cancer, working to detect early stage cancer through labs, imaging and diagnostic testing, as well as genetic counseling and testing. As part of the program, individuals will also submit their de-identified information to be part of a registry, shared by similar organizations in the nation. This database will help future clinicians to better understand this complex disease and how to effectively treat and manage it.

Individuals with family members who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, or those with positive genetic test results in certain genes, are qualified for the program and the registry.

Hoag’s Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Program is led by a multidisciplinary team of specialists including a geneticist, genetic counselors, gastroenterologists and GI surgeons. Together, this team supports all aspects of care, collaborating with other physician specialists, to ensure an individual’s risk is accurately assessed and treated.

This program was made possible thanks to a generous gift from the estate of Anita Erickson.

If you have any questions, please contact the Anita Erickson Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Program at 949-764-8805.