While cancer of the pancreas is not one of the most common forms of cancer, it is one of the most challenging to treat. In this two-part program with Dr. H. Richard Alexander, viewers learn about the newest approaches to treating both pancreatic cancer and other forms of cancer in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Specific topics covered in part one of this two-part interview include:

The pancreas and its role in the body
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer
Identifying specific types of tumors
Surgery for pancreatic surgery - the Whipple procedure
Radiation and chemotherapy after surgery

About the Expert:
Dr. H. Richard Alexander is a surgical oncologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. He is also a professor and associate chairman for Clinical Research in the Department of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Related Links:

Pancreatic Surgery (Part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ruQ9b...

Dr. H. Richard Alexander
http://www.umm.edu/doctors/h.%20richa...

UMGCC Gastrointestinal Oncology Program
http://www.umgcc.org/gi_program/index...

Overview: Pancreatic Cancer
http://www.umgcc.org/gi_program/pan.htm

Pancreatic Cancer Therapy Program
http://www.umgcc.org/gi_program/pan_t...