November marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the most challenging cancers we face in medicine. Despite advances in cancer care, pancreatic cancer remains a disease that is often diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited. That is why awareness—knowing the warning signs and understanding the tools we now have for earlier detection—matters so much.
Pancreatic cancer often develops quietly. In its early stages, symptoms may be vague: abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or changes in digestion. Because these signs can mimic other conditions, it is easy to dismiss them. But when caught early, treatment is far more effective, and survival rates improve.
As an interventional gastroenterologist here in the Rio Grande Valley, my work focuses on bridging that critical gap—helping patients move from suspicion to diagnosis, and then from diagnosis to treatment, with as little delay as possible. Through advanced endoscopic procedures, we can now detect pancreatic tumors earlier, obtain precise biopsies, and even provide minimally invasive treatments to relieve symptoms such as blockages or severe pain.
Equally important, research is opening new doors. From better genetic testing for families at higher risk, to innovative endoscopic tools that allow us to stage and treat cancer more effectively, progress is happening—and I am proud to help bring these advances directly to patients in our community. Families here should know that they don’t have to travel far for cutting-edge care.
This month is a reminder to be proactive. If you or a loved one notice concerning symptoms, talk to your doctor. Ask about risk factors, such as family history, diabetes, or chronic pancreatitis. Early action can change the course of this disease.
Pancreatic cancer may be formidable, but it is not without hope. With awareness, early diagnosis, and the latest treatment approaches, we can give patients more time—and more importantly, better quality of life.
Dr. Prateek Harne, DHR Health Interventional Gastroenterologist
5520 Leonardo Da Vinci Drive Suite 100 Edinburg, TX 78539
To schedule an appointment, call (956) 362-3636
To learn more about gastroenterology services at DHR Health, visit https://dhrhealth.com/services/gastroenterology-advanced-endoscopy/
