The 20th Annual Pancreatic Cancer and Related Diseases Patient Symposium brought together patients, families, clinicians, and researchers for a day of learning, connection, and hope. The event celebrated two decades of progress in pancreatic cancer care, showcasing breakthroughs that have improved survival rates and strengthened a community united by resilience.
Among the speakers was longtime Jefferson patient and survivor Bill West, who shared his story of perseverance and gratitude. Nearly 20 years ago, his life was forever changed after losing his twin brother, Joe, to small bowel lymphoma. Though he seemed healthy, West couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. His persistence led to testing that revealed a pancreatic tumor and an early diagnosis that saved his life.
In 2005, pancreatic cancer survival rates were about 5 percent. The diagnosis was devastating, but with the support of his wife, Gerry, and the expert care of Samuel D. Gross Professor and Chair of Surgery Dr. Charles Yeo and Jefferson’s pancreatic cancer team, West found strength in compassion and precision medicine. He recalls how Yeo calmly drew a diagram of the pancreas on the back of a business card to explain the surgery, a gesture that gave him both understanding and comfort.