Pancreatic Cancer Prevention & Genetics Program

Screening | Cyst Surveillance | Research | Contact | Resources

The Muzzi Mirza Pancreatic Cancer Prevention & Genetics Program is a unique program within the Pancreas Center dedicated to prevention and early detection of pancreatic cancer. The program aims to identify and treat people at the highest risk of pancreatic cancer before they develop advanced disease. It was named in loving memory of Muzzafar “Muzzi” Mirza, a patient who succumbed to pancreatic cancer and wanted to provide others with the opportunity to receive diagnoses at earlier stages, when successful treatment is far more likely.

To make an appointment with our Screening & Genetics program, call us at (212) 305-9467 or use our online form to get in touch today.

Screening Program

Our screening program is available to any person who believes he or she may have a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer. 

Patients in the screening program receive the following services:

  • Consultation with a genetic counselor to discuss your family history and construct your family tree
  • Consultation with a physician to perform a physical exam and discuss family history
  • Consultation with our prevention team to discuss your risk factors and answer questions
  • Meeting with the team regarding your plan of care, which may include genetic testing, endoscopic ultrasound, and/or imaging for early detection, if appropriate. If screening tests are abnormal, you may be referred to a Pancreas Center surgeon. 
  • Continued and close surveillance, with intervals based on your risk category. 

Ideally, screening should begin approximately 10 years prior to the earliest age of onset of cancer in the family. 

Screening Team

Cyst Surveillance Program

The Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance Program is designed to evaluate patients with known or suspected pancreatic cysts before they are able to progress to cancer. This program is devoted solely to patients with IPMN (Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm) or pancreatic cysts to provide specialized surveillance by expert physicians.

Pancreatic cysts are abnormal fluid-filled growths on or in the pancreas. There are several types of cysts: some types are benign, with virtually no likelihood of becoming cancerous, while other forms have up to a 70% chance of becoming cancerous. Because of the great variation and the risk associated with certain types, it is very important that all pancreatic cysts are detected, evaluated, monitored, and if necessary, removed.

Patients evaluated in our program are discussed in our weekly multidisciplinary conference where an aggressive plan of surveillance is determined by our experts in interventional endoscopy, surgery and oncology. Each plan is tailored to meet each patient's specific needs. A plan can consist of 6 months or yearly intervals of imaging and endoscopy or possible surgery. 

By offering a plan to monitor patients with known precursors to this disease, we strive to take a positive step towards fighting pancreatic cancer.

Cyst Surveillance Team

Research Program

Our screening and genetics program includes a robust research arm that focuses on identifying new and innovative early detection methods as well as new risk factors. Our goals are to:

  • Develop standards for who should be screened and evaluated for pancreatic cancer including an ongoing care plan.
  • Study the biology of pancreatic cancer with the goal of determining role of genetic abnormalities in pancreatic cancer causation.
  • Develop strategies to identify early cancers through research.
  • Increase awareness of pancreatic cancer.

Contact Us

Columbia Pancreas Center
(212) 305-9467 | Online appointment form

Herbert Irving Pavilion, 8th Floor
161 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032

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Fax: (212) 305-1571

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