WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Novant Health is reshaping the future of pancreatic cancer detection and treatment by introducing a new screening option for patients in coordination with Gastroenterology Associates of the Piedmont, P.A. and Digestive Health Specialists, P.A.
This collaborative initiative was created to address the need for a local, multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer screening program for high-risk patients in the Triad region. Eligible patients include those with a family history of pancreatic cancer or an increased risk based on genetic testing.
“We’re hoping to change the future of pancreatic cancer detection and care in this community,” said Kate Hughes, manager of cancer support services and genetic counseling at the Novant Health Cancer Institute in the Triad Region. “Because early symptoms are often silent, most pancreatic cancer patients today are diagnosed at a late stage, when survival rates are low. Our goal is to change that by proactively screening high-risk patients and connecting them with treatment earlier — before the cancer has a chance to spread.”
While the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is only 13%, it improves significantly if the cancer is detected early, while still confined to the pancreas.
How the screening program works
Patients with a personal or family history of cancer are referred to the genetic counseling team at the Novant Health Cancer Institute to determine if they are at an increased risk of developing various cancer types, including pancreatic cancer.
If test results warrant pancreatic cancer screening, the patient is referred to the new multispecialty pancreatic cancer screening program offered locally at both Gastroenterology Associates of the Piedmont, P.A. and Digestive Health Specialists, P.A.
Most patients will be screened — usually in the form of an endoscopic ultrasound and/or specialized MRI — and meet with a team of specialists, including an interventional gastroenterologist with specialty training in pancreatic disease, a genetic counselor and an oncology-trained dietitian.
If cancer or even precancerous cells are detected, a personalized treatment plan is developed. This plan may include periodic monitoring in coordination with the screening team or a referral to a Novant Health surgical specialist trained in treating patients with pancreatic cancer.
“This new pancreatic cancer screening program brings together the right people and resources to not only improve the survival rate across our community, but to also renew hope in the hearts of our patients and their families,” Hughes added.
Novant Health also offers comprehensive breast, colorectal and lung cancer screening programs in the Triad. Most insurance companies cover the cost of genetic testing and diagnostic screenings.
Patients can learn more about genetic counseling at Novant Health by calling 336-277-6000 or visiting NovantHealth.org/GeneticCancerTesting.
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About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of nearly 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our more than 41,000 team members along with more than 8,600 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2024, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
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