MILWAUKEE — November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with the highest death rate of all major cancers, so when Connie McCance was diagnosed, you can imagine she was shocked and scared at the same time.

But, Connie is a fighter and said the reason she is here today is because of the treatment she received at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Connie’s life took an unexpected turn in April 2019 when she began experiencing constant, unexplained belching, a symptom she had never had before.

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“Firstly, the GP felt it was acid reflux and put me on an over the counter medication and sent me on my way,” Connie said.

But Connie trusted her instincts. When her symptoms did not improve, she returned to her doctor, asking for further tests. Finally, the call came—she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“It was like disbelief because I felt like I was living a healthy life. I ate well, I exercised every day,” Connie said.

Connie’s journey led her to Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she and her doctors created a treatment plan—one that gave her hope.

“It’s a phenomenal facility with doctors who don’t just treat your cancer, they consider the patient the whole way,” Connie said.

Connie endured cycles of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Through it all, the support of her family and friends helped her stay strong.

“I don’t think I could have fought as well as I did without my family and friends,” Connie said.

Dr. William Hall, a professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, says outside support, along with a team of medical experts, is essential when receiving care.

“It’s really important for the Milwaukee community and the Wisconsin community to know that we are an international leader in pancreatic cancer research,” said Dr. Hall.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 66,440 people—34,530 men and 31,910 women—will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024. The cancer is difficult to treat and difficult to detect because it lacks widespread early screening.

But Dr Hall says there are some signs to look out for, including jaundice – yellowing of the skin or eyes, rapid unexplained weight loss and changes in stool colour.

Watch: Watch for signs of pancreatic cancer.

Surviving Against the Odds: A Pewaukee Woman’s Battle Against Pancreatic Cancer

The stool may appear clay-colored or lighter, which can be an important sign or symptom to evaluate, Dr. Hall said.

Like Connie, Dr. Hall said it’s important to listen to your body, take the signs seriously and seek treatment right away.

“If patients present early, then our ability to cure them as a team using a number of highly sophisticated strategies is much better,” said Dr. Hall.

Although widespread early screening is not yet available, Dr. Hall said there are screening options for those with a family history of pancreatic cancer at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin High Risk Clinic.

Today, Connie is five years cancer-free. She is grateful for the care she received and the support of others.

“It’s a phenomenal facility with doctors who don’t just treat cancer — they consider the patient’s feelings,” Connie said.

She advises others going through a similar situation to never lose hope and always listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

“Don’t be afraid to list all your symptoms or anything that’s different about you, because what you think is an insignificant symptom could lead a doctor to run tests that could save your life,” Connie said.

Connie also wanted to thank him Seena Magowitz PancreaticCancer Foundation for supporting him. She said the foundation has allowed her to connect with others going through the same situation.

The foundation also funds clinical research, which has provided funds to the Medical College of Wisconsin.

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