A cancer diagnosis can significantly change the life of you and your family in a variety of ways. Upon hearing the news “you have been diagnosed with cancer,” patients and their families are thrown into a whirlwind of emotions. The initial shock of this diagnosis leaves feelings of sadness, denial, frustration, confusion, fear, anger and often the “why me?” feeling. Thoughts begin to enter your mind about how this affects you, your family, and your daily life. Many cancer diagnoses have a high percentage survival rate with appropriate treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, there is a considerable cancer diagnosis that ultimately results in a very low survival percentage. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. By 2020, pancreatic cancer is estimated to be the second leading cause of cancer death (Pancreatic Cancer Network, 2014). Pancreatic cancer represents a very small percentage of cancers diagnosed each year; however, its five-year survival rate is less than 5%. This is largely due to the demographics of pancreatic cancer diagnosis. African Americans have the highest rate of pancreatic cancer, in huge percentages. African Americans are 50 to 90 percent more likely than any other racial group to develop pancreatic cancer. (John Hopkins, 2012) This is largely because risk factors for pancreatic cancer are more common among African Americans. “African Americans also have the poorest prognosis of any racial group because they are often diagnosed with advanced, and therefore inoperable, cancer. " (John Hopkins, 2012) There should be more awareness among demographic groups like African Americans that they are... middle of paper ... other organs, so that when a patient chooses to pursue treatment, it may be difficult for the nurse to accept and respect the patient's decision, knowing that with treatment the chances of survival are slim to none. As with all other patient illnesses, but especially pancreatic cancer, it is important that the nurse remains professional and knowledgeable about the illness in order to be a support to the patient and a source of education for the patient . In conclusion, pancreas is a widespread disease. disease in the United States. In the absence of a cure, a biomarker to detect cancer, it is imperative that the African-American population be made more aware and strengthened in terms of prevention. It is also imperative that the health care team promote education for all, but particularly for African Americans, so that they have a chance at prevention and can adopt a healthier lifestyle..