Managing patients with pancreatic cancer.

The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is devastating for patients and family members because of the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease. Regardless of the stages of their illnesses or the treatments they receive, only 3% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive five years or more after diagnosis. Compassionate, knowledgeable, supportive nursing care is necessary throughout all stages of pancreatic cancer. This article provides perioperative nurses with information about the diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.