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Redefining the standard of care for pancreatic cancer detection
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Frequently Asked Questions

Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach that plays a role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. The most common type, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), accounts for the vast majority of cases and is among the most aggressive cancers known.
  • Surgery is the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer, and surgery is only possible when the cancer is caught before it spreads beyond the pancreas. That window is narrow and time-sensitive. Once the cancer metastasizes, surgical options are no longer available, and treatment shifts from curative to palliative.
  • The five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed at a localized stage is roughly 40-45%. For those diagnosed after the cancer has spread to distant organs, it falls to approximately 3%.
  • Artificial intelligence improves the accuracy of CT scan analysis by identifying patterns that are difficult for human reviewers to detect consistently, particularly in early-stage tumors where size and imaging contrast are minimal. Current CT imaging misses a significant proportion of small pancreatic tumors. AI-assisted analysis is designed to close that gap.
  • The AI tools being developed through research the Foundation supports are trained on large datasets of pancreatic imaging data. They are designed to flag suspicious findings for radiologist review and ensure that subtle early indicators are less likely to be missed.
  • Make a donation: Direct financial contributions fund the research that makes earlier detection possible. Every dollar supports the work of Dr. Fishman’s lab at Johns Hopkins and the Foundation’s other research partners.
  • Attend an event: The Foundation hosts fundraising events that bring together supporters, researchers, and advocates. Our next event is Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Manhasset, NY.
  • Spread the word: Awareness matters. Share information about the Foundation, about pancreatic cancer screening and about the role AI can play in early detection.
  • Contact us: If you have questions about giving, partnership opportunities, or the Foundation’s work, reach out directly at The.David.M.Blank.Foundation@gmail.com or 646-653-2425.