This article is based on medically-verified pieces on pancreatic cancer on healthline and Web MD, inspired by the sad news of the death of Judge Frank Caprio to the disease.
The world is mourning the loss of Judge Frank Caprio, a compassionate figure known for his role on the television show “Caught in Providence.”
Judge Caprio touched the hearts of millions with his empathetic approach to justice, often showing leniency and understanding towards defendants who appeared before him. His ability to see the human side of every case made him a beloved figure, demonstrating the power of compassion within the legal system.
Sadly, Judge Caprio passed away on August 21 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, highlighting the importance of understanding this complex and often difficult-to-detect disease.
In light of his passing, it is crucial to shed light on pancreatic cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options, so we can better understand it.
Here is one of the most popular episodes of “Caught in Providence.” Watch the first case of the episode — and make sure you have the tissue handy:
Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that is crucial for digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Because of its location deep inside the abdomen, pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early, often leading to diagnosis at advanced stages. According to Healthline, pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancer diagnoses and 7% of cancer deaths in the United States. WebMD notes that the majority of pancreatic cancers start in the exocrine cells.
What are the Pancreas and What Do They Do?
The pancreas have two main functions:
- Digestion: It produces digestive enzymes that help the body digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins
- Blood Sugar Control: It produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate glucose (sugar) metabolism. Insulin helps cells use glucose for energy, while glucagon raises glucose levels when they are too low.
READ: Seven Key Strategies for Cancer Prevention — A Guide to Reducing Your Risk
Types of Pancreatic Cancer
There are two main types of pancreatic cancer, based on the cells where the cancer originates:
- Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: This is the most common type, starting in the exocrine cells that produce digestive enzymes
- Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs): A rarer type, PNETs begin in the endocrine cells that release hormones
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
One of the challenges with pancreatic cancer is that it often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until it has reached advanced stages. Even then, the symptoms can be subtle.
As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- Abdominal pain (may radiate to the back)
- Lower back pain
- Blood clots (often in the leg)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Depression
- Light-colored or greasy stools
- Dark or brown urine
- Itchy skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Changes in blood sugar levels (may lead to diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes)
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not fully understood. It occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow and form tumors in the pancreas.
While the specific trigger for this abnormal growth is unknown, certain factors can increase the risk:
- Tobacco use: Smoking is a major risk factor, accounting for a significant percentage of cases
- Heavy alcohol consumption: Drinking three or more alcoholic drinks per day may increase risk
- Chronic pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, often due to heavy drinking or genetics, can increase risk
- Hereditary pancreatitis: Inherited conditions, including hereditary pancreatitis and familial pancreatic cancer syndromes, can increase risk (WebMD)
- Weight: Overweight and obesity, especially in early adulthood, may increase risk
- Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats, fried foods, sugar, and cholesterol may contribute to risk
- Sex: Men are slightly more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than women
- Workplace exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals and pesticides may be a factor
- Age: People between 65 and 74 are more likely to be diagnosed
- Diabetes: Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes can increase risk. Long-standing diabetes is also a risk factor (WebMD).
- Race: In the U.S., pancreatic cancer rates are highest among Black people
- Family history: Having a family history of pancreatic cancer increases risk
- Infections: A history of H. pylori infection or hepatitis B may increase risk
- Genetic conditions: Certain genetic variations and mutations, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and Lynch syndrome, can increase risk
- Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer (WebMD)
READ: Lower Your Cancer Risk Today — Simple Steps to Take
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is crucial for improving the chances of recovery. If you experience any unusual symptoms, especially if you have risk factors, see a healthcare professional promptly.
Diagnostic tests may include:
- CT or MRI scans
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Laparoscopy (surgical procedure to look at organs) (WebMD)
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (WebMD)
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC; procedure used to X-ray liver and bile ducts) (WebMD)
- Biopsy
- Blood tests to check for tumor markers like CA 19-9
Stages of Pancreatic Cancer
After diagnosis, doctors will determine the stage of the cancer to understand how far it has spread.
The stages range from 0 to 4:
- Stage 0: Abnormal cells are present but not yet cancerous
- Stage 1: The tumor is only in the pancreas
- Stage 2: The tumor has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes
- Stage 3: The tumor has spread to major blood vessels and lymph nodes
- Stage 4: The tumor has spread to distant organs (metastatic cancer)
Treatment Options
There are various treatments for pancreatic cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy (WebMD).
Treatment for pancreatic cancer aims to kill cancer cells and prevent the cancer from spreading. The best treatment approach depends on the stage of the cancer and may include:
- Surgery: Removing portions of the pancreas
- Radiation therapy: Using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells
- Chemotherapy: Using anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells
- Targeted therapy: Using medications to target cancer cells specifically
- Immunotherapy: Triggering the immune system to attack the cancer
In advanced stages, treatment may focus on pain relief and managing symptoms.
ARE YOU WATCHING OUT FOR CANCER SYMPTOMS? LOG YOUR OBSERVATIONS HERE.
Survival Rates and Prognosis
Survival rates for pancreatic cancer vary depending on the stage at diagnosis.
According to Healthline, survival rates are generally given as a 5-year percentage, indicating the percentage of people alive 5 years after diagnosis or treatment. T
he American Cancer Society reports that only about 23% of patients with cancer of the exocrine pancreas are still living one year after diagnosis and about 8.2% are still alive five years after being diagnosed (WebMD).
- Localized (Stage 0, 1, or 2A): 5-year survival rate is around 35.4%
- Regional (Stage 2B or 3): 5-year survival rate is around 12.3%
- Distant (Stage 4): 5-year survival rate is around 2.8%
It’s important to remember that survival rates are estimates and can vary based on individual factors.
Prevention
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, you can reduce your risk by:
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods
If you’re concerned about pancreatic cancer, talk to a healthcare professional. Early detection and treatment are key to improving outcomes.
Sources:
- Everything You Need to Know About Pancreatic Cancer, healthline (December 18, 2023)
- Pancreatic Cancer, Web MD (February 14, 2024)
- Frank Caprio, Rhode Island judge who drew a huge online audience with his compassion, dies at age 88, CNN (August 21, 2025)
Photo from Judge Frank Caprio’s Facebook page
DISCLAIMER
This article provides general information and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
