Pancreatic Cancer Awareness; LewisGale doctor explains the disease

ROANOKE, Va. – 10 News wore purple on Tuesday in a show in support of a beloved and respected colleague in local television, Mark Spain, who was recently diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

Mark announced it social media he was diagnosed just after Thanksgiving. His colleagues at WSET shared the news with the community soon afterand said they received an outpouring of support from the community. A postal address to send Mark a letter is listed at WSET website.

A GoFundMe was set up to help with medical expenses. As of Tuesday night, more than $8,000 had been donated.

The WSLS 10 family sends their love and support to Mark and his loved ones as he begins this battle.

To raise awareness of the disease, 10 News Anchor Rachel Lucas spoke with Dr. Dominique Dempah of LewisGale, a surgeon and pancreatic cancer expert.

Dr. Dempah said the incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing, but researchers aren’t sure why. Dempah said early detection can often be difficult because of where the pancreas is located in the body and because warning signs often don’t appear until the disease has advanced to a later stage.

You can watch the entire interview here.

More information about pancreatic cancer can be can be found here from the American Cancer Society.