Dr. Shroff’s career focused on the most aggressive form of glandular cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and her untimely death at 47 underscored how quickly the disease can progress.
Adenocarcinoma originates in the glandular cells that line organs such as the pancreas, producing enzymes that aid digestion. While the disease is rare compared to other cancers, it ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., largely because it is often diagnosed only after symptoms become severe.
Risk factors include age over 50, smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, and a family history of pancreatic or other related cancers. Genetics also play a role; mutations in BRCA2, PALB2, and CDKN2A increase susceptibility.
The first warning signs are subtle: unexplained abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, and new-onset diabetes. Since there are no routine population screenings, people with risk factors should discuss imaging tests—such as MRI or endoscopic ultrasound—with their clinician. Early biopsy can confirm diagnosis before the tumor reaches an advanced stage.
Lifestyle changes can lower risk: maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol, quit smoking, and consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Regular physical activity—about 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly—also helps keep insulin levels steady, reducing the chance of pancreatic damage.
If you or a loved one exhibit any of the warning signs, schedule an appointment promptly. Your doctor can assess risk, recommend screening, and guide you toward preventive measures that might keep pancreatic adenocarcinoma from becoming a life‑threatening diagnosis.