One Diagnosis, Two Perspectives: Preventing and Treating Pancreatic Cancer with Your Gastroenterologist and Pancreatic Surgeon

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect early — but that’s where prevention and teamwork make all the difference. We sat down with a gastroenterologist and a surgical oncologist at Englewood Health to learn how they work together to prevent and treat pancreatic cancer. Here’s what they want you to know.

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Questions for the Gastroenterologist: Youssef Botros, MD

Q: Who is considered at higher risk for pancreatic cancer?

Youssef Botros, MD, Gastroenterologist: While anyone can develop pancreatic cancer, certain people face higher risk. This includes those with two or more close relatives who’ve had the disease, those with inherited gene mutations like BRCA1/2 or Lynch syndrome, and those with specific types of pancreatic cysts. At Englewood Health, our Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program is designed for these patients. We provide genetic counseling, advanced imaging, and ongoing monitoring to catch precancerous changes early, when treatment is most effective.

Q: Why is pancreatic cancer often called a “silent disease”?

Dr. Botros: In its early stages, pancreatic cancer rarely causes clear symptoms. Instead, people may notice vague symptoms such as indigestion, mild pain, or weight loss — things that can be mistaken for more common conditions. Unfortunately, more obvious signs like jaundice or severe pain usually don’t appear until the disease is advanced, which is why early detection is so challenging.

Q: If a pancreatic cyst is found, what does that mean for the patient?

Dr. Botros: We’re discovering pancreatic cysts more often today because so many people undergo imaging for other reasons. The good news is that most cysts are harmless and never become cancer. However, certain types can carry a higher risk of turning into cancer over time. That’s why follow-up is so important. Even if a cyst isn’t causing symptoms, keeping a close watch allows us to act early if changes occur.

Q: When do you refer a patient to a pancreatic surgeon, and how do you collaborate on care going forward?

Dr. Botros: If a cyst shows features that raise concern — such as a solid nodule or rapid growth — that’s when we bring in a pancreatic surgeon. From there, care becomes a shared process. As a team, we review each case together, and we counsel patients on the risks and benefits, so they understand their options.

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Questions for the Pancreatic Surgeon: Cherif Boutros, MD

Q: When a patient comes to you from the Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program, what does that usually mean for their care?

Cherif Boutros, MD, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgical oncologist: Most patients I see through the program already have a reason for close monitoring — maybe a strong family history, a genetic finding, or an abnormal cyst. The recommendations for managing these risks are evolving rapidly. That’s why we’ve built a formal program and a multidisciplinary team that works together closely. Instead of patients trying to piece together different opinions, our team reviews each case together and provides one clear, up-to-date plan of care.

Q: Why is it sometimes the right choice to remove a cyst before it becomes cancerous?

Dr. Boutros: Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late, when it has already spread, and unfortunately it carries one of the lowest survival rates of any major cancer. That’s why early intervention is so critical. Certain pancreatic cysts can be precursors to cancer. Identifying and removing the right ones before they transform can save lives. Of course, not every cyst needs surgery, which is why we take a careful approach to deciding what’s best for each person.

Q: How have newer, minimally invasive techniques changed patients’ experience?

Dr. Boutros: Minimally invasive surgery has dramatically improved outcomes for patients with pancreatic disease. Smaller incisions mean less pain, fewer complications, and quicker recovery, allowing patients to return to normal life and continue other therapies sooner. These approaches are especially valuable for older adults or patients with co-morbidities. While we cannot change a patient’s age or medical condition, we can sometimes change our approach to make surgery possible and successful for patients who might otherwise be considered too high risk.

Q: How does the team at Englewood Health work together to support patients through surgery, recovery, and beyond?

Dr. Boutros: Englewood Health has built an integrated, comprehensive program that spans the entire spectrum of pancreatic care. Radiologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, surgeons, oncologists, and genetic counselors all work together, along with nutritionists, nurse navigators, rehab specialists and more. By keeping all these services, literally, under one roof and fostering constant collaboration, we ensure that patients and families are never navigating this difficult journey alone.

Take Charge of Your Health Today

If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, a genetic mutation, or have been diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst, call us at 201-608-2266 to learn if Englewood Health’s Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Program is right for you.

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Posted on December 17, 2025