DEAR DR. ROACH: It is my understanding that there is no early-screening test for pancreatic cancer, and it is typically not diagnosed until it is very advanced, hence the high mortality rate. My late loved one’s case was confirmed only after having a CT scan; not even an MRI revealed the tumors. A prominent person’s case was found early enough to be successfully treated only because she was a colon cancer survivor and a routine CT scan that was done as part of her follow-up revealed an early and treatable tumor in her pancreas. Why can’t CT scans be done routinely to check for pancreatic tumors? — S.C.

ANSWER: It’s a very good question, and one I am often asked, not only about cancer of the pancreas but also about ovarian cancer. The answer is that pancreatic cancer is uncommon (one to two people per 10,000 per year), and there are very few cases where the cancer can be found early enough to make a difference. Every study done so far on screening for pancreatic cancer has shown no reduction in the rate of death from pancreatic cancer. Even when found early by CT, ultrasound or blood testing, it usually is already too late for most.

It is possible that breakthroughs in treatment will lead to a new era for pancreatic cancer, where formerly incurable disease can be successfully treated. If (hopefully when) that happens, screening then may be re-evaluated.