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Our Pancreatic Cancer Foundation Is Making A Difference

The Seena Magowitz Foundation is a nation leader in pancreatic cancer awareness and care. Through initiatives like funding innovation pancreatic cancer research, we provide diagnosed patients as well as their family, loved-ones and caregivers with information to improve patient quality of life. Our Foundation shares the latest innovative research in cancer-care. To accomplish our mission we provide funding for pilot studies and clinical trials. Our primary focus is enhancing pancreatic cancer patient outcomes.

Steppin' Up Against Pancreatic Cancer 2024

HonorHealth Research Institute with the Seena Magowitz Foundation invites you to join us for a morning of community and support in the fight against pancreatic cancer.  Plan for an inspiring and impactful event as we come together to raise awareness by walking together at Mountain America Stadium, home of the ASU Sun Devils. Whether you’re walking as an individual, a team or with the whole family every step counts and your participation makes a powerful difference in the lives of those battling pancreatic cancer. 

Survivor Stories

The Seena Magowitz Foundation’s “Pancreatic Cancer Patient Survivor Stories” page shares inspiring accounts of individuals who have battled pancreatic cancer. Recognized as a formidable and aggressive cancer with a stealthy onset, these survivor stories provide hope and insight into the challenges and victories faced by those affected. The narratives celebrate the resilience of survivors, many of whom have surpassed the five-year survival mark, defying the odds. These stories, drawn from diverse experiences, aim to offer encouragement and support to newly diagnosed patients and their families, highlighting the collective efforts of the cancer community, including research and oncology work.

Patient Stories

They share the gallantry
to win the battle.

Learn About The Pancreas

The pancreas is a crucial organ located behind the stomach and plays a dual role in the human body. It is divided into three parts: head, body, and tail. The pancreas performs two main functions: the exocrine function involves producing digestive enzymes that break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, while the endocrine function involves creating hormones, including insulin, to regulate blood sugar levels. These functions are vital for the proper digestion and metabolic regulation in the body. We also highlight some of the unique features of the anatomy of the pancreas, including the difficulty in detecting pancreatic tumors early due to the organ’s deep location within the abdomen, which can delay the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

The Pancreas

Pancreas Anatomy. It has a dual role within the body.

Learn About Pancreatic Cancer

The Seena Magowitz Foundation’s page on “What is Pancreatic Cancer?” explains that pancreatic cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the pancreas, a gland that plays a key role in both the digestive and endocrine systems. There are two main types of pancreatic cancer: about 95% are exocrine tumors (pancreatic adenocarcinoma), which are highly aggressive with a low 5-year survival rate, and about 5% are endocrine tumors (neuroendocrine or islet cell tumors), which are generally less aggressive with a better prognosis. The page also distinguishes between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors, noting that malignant tumors can metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.

Pancreatic Cancer

95% occur where
digestive enzymes are created.

Reducing Pancreatic Cancer Risk

The Seena Magowitz Foundation’s page on reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer offers practical advice for mitigating the disease’s risk. Key recommendations include avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing Type 2 Diabetes, staying vigilant for symptoms, and considering genetic testing if there’s a family history of cancer. Chronic pancreatitis, often linked to alcohol abuse, is highlighted as a risk factor. The page also addresses misconceptions, noting that pancreatic cancer can affect younger people too. Emphasizing vigilance, the page encourages regular communication with doctors and considering screenings for those at high risk. These measures collectively aim to lower the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Reduce the Risk

Mitigate chances of getting pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer Support Group

Other pancreatic cancer patients know what coping with pancreatic cancer is all about. They have navigated the same paths dealing with similar anxieties and obstacles. They share the same objectives. Our sole purpose in establishing this virtual support group is helping pancreatic cancer patients live life to the fullest extent. It is a dedicated approach focusing on patient wellness, hope, and inspiration. Helping our members heal and thrive in every respect. From the physical to the emotional and everything in between.

Patient Group at 2022 Power of Us Dinner On The Diamond at Chase Stadium
Seena Magowitz Foundation

Pancreatic Cancer Medical Advisory Council

Dr. Daniel Von Hoff: TGEN in Phoenix, Arizona
Daniel Von Hoff, MD, FACP
TGen Executive Vice President
Molecular Medicine Division
Dr. Douglas B. Evans: Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Douglas B. Evans MD, FACS
Chair of Department of Surgery Medical
College of Wisconsin
Dr. Erkut Borazanci: HonorHealth Research Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona
Erkut Borazanci, MD, MS
Leader of The Pancreatic Cancer
Detection Consortium HonorHealth
Research Institute
Tsai_Susan_listing
Susan Tsai, MD, MHS, FACS
Chief of Surgical Oncology
Ohio State James Cancer Hospital
dr-hosein-slider-300x300.remini-enhanced
Peter Hosein, MD
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Miami Health
Dr. Jen Jen Yeh Proile Main
Jen Jen Yeh MD
North Carolina School of Medicine
Division of Surgical Oncology
Seena Magowitz Foundation

Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Stories

Pancreatic cancer patients carry the torch of awareness. They share stories of their journeys which inspire newly diagnosed patients to never give up hope and to keep believing. When an eventual cure is found, it will be them that will have lit the pathway. We rotate these patient stories frequently so check back often to view other courageous patients. Click on a photo the read each patient story.

Thanks To Our Generous Supporters

Seena Magowitz is proud to be a part of a broader coalition of pancreatic cancer nonprofit organizations and providers from Los Angeles to New York, including Pancan, The Lustgarten Foundation, all dedicated to pancreatic cancer action. Through support groups, events, survivor stories, financial aid, news, and pancreatic cancer information, we continue the Mission of reducing pancreatic cancer deaths through support and therapies, and achieving the Vision of eradicating the world of pancreatic cancer.

 

Partners In The Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer