Next steps after diagnosis
A diagnosis raises urgent questions: what should I do first, where do I go for care, what information do I need? These steps are widely recommended by leading cancer centers and medical guidelines.
Confirm the diagnosis and stage
Accurate diagnosis is essential before making treatment decisions. Tests may include:
These results help determine whether the cancer is localized, borderline resectable, locally advanced or metastatic.
SourceAmerican Cancer Society — How pancreatic cancer is diagnosed →Seek a second opinion
Pancreatic cancer is complex, and outcomes improve when treatment decisions are made by multidisciplinary teams at high-volume centers. Even if you feel confident in your current provider, a second opinion can confirm staging, expand your treatment options, and ensure surgical expertise is available.
Sky Foundation partners with Henry Ford Health and nationally recognized pancreatic surgeons to provide these expert evaluations. Contact us for a connection to the team of doctors we suggest.
Undergo genetic and biomarker testing
Both germline (inherited) and somatic (tumor-specific) genetic testing are now standard of care for all pancreatic cancer patients. These tests can:
Understand treatment pathways
Treatment depends on the stage and overall health of the patient. Standard approaches include:
Explore clinical trials early
Clinical trials test new drugs, combinations and therapies. Enrolling early provides access to promising treatments that may improve outcomes beyond standard care.
Sky Foundation can help identify trials in Michigan and nationally. Karmanos Cancer Institute has been an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1978 — one of only 57 in the United States, and the only cancer hospital in Michigan with that designation. It offers treatment and trials not available at other hospitals, and welcomes patients coming in for a second opinion.
SourceClinical trials at Karmanos Cancer Institute → SourceClinicalTrials.gov — Pancreatic cancer studies →Build your care team
A strong care team typically includes:
Multidisciplinary coordination improves survival and quality of life.
SourceMayo Clinic — Pancreatic cancer treatment team →Prepare for appointments
Bring a trusted family member or caregiver to appointments and keep written questions. Helpful questions include:
Consider supportive resources
Newly diagnosed patients and caregivers benefit from:
Key takeaway
Your first steps should include confirming the diagnosis, seeking expert opinions and undergoing genetic testing. Building a multidisciplinary care team and considering clinical trials early can expand treatment options and improve outcomes.
Next steps after diagnosis
A diagnosis raises urgent questions: what should I do first, where do I go for care, what information do I need? These steps are widely recommended by leading cancer centers and medical guidelines.
Confirm the diagnosis and stage
Accurate diagnosis is essential before making treatment decisions. Tests may include:
These results help determine whether the cancer is localized, borderline resectable, locally advanced or metastatic.
Seek a second opinion
Pancreatic cancer is complex, and outcomes improve when treatment decisions are made by multidisciplinary teams at high-volume centers. Even if you feel confident in your current provider, a second opinion can confirm staging, expand your treatment options, and ensure surgical expertise is available.
Sky Foundation partners with Henry Ford Health and nationally recognized pancreatic surgeons to provide these expert evaluations. Contact us for a connection to the team of doctors we suggest.
Undergo genetic and biomarker testing
Both germline (inherited) and somatic (tumor-specific) genetic testing are now standard of care for all pancreatic cancer patients. These tests can:
Understand treatment pathways
Treatment depends on the stage and overall health of the patient. Standard approaches include:
Explore clinical trials early
Clinical trials test new drugs, combinations and therapies. Enrolling early provides access to promising treatments that may improve outcomes beyond standard care.
Sky Foundation can help identify trials in Michigan and nationally. Karmanos Cancer Institute has been an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1978 — one of only 57 in the United States, and the only cancer hospital in Michigan with that designation. It offers treatment and trials not available at other hospitals, and welcomes patients coming in for a second opinion.
Build your care team
A strong care team typically includes:
Multidisciplinary coordination improves survival and quality of life.
Prepare for appointments
Bring a trusted family member or caregiver to appointments and keep written questions. Helpful questions include:
Consider supportive resources
Newly diagnosed patients and caregivers benefit from:
Key takeaway
Your first steps should include confirming the diagnosis, seeking expert opinions and undergoing genetic testing. Building a multidisciplinary care team and considering clinical trials early can expand treatment options and improve outcomes.