A 70-Year-Old Male with a 40 Pack-Year History of Smoking

Multiple Choice

A 70-year-old male with a 40 pack-year history of smoking and long-standing non- insulin-dependent diabetes has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Which ofthe following teaching points should the physician provide?

A) "While this is indeed serious, you should know that you have a good chance of beating this disease with appropriate treatment."
B) "Most likely your pattern of high alcohol intake over the years contributed to your cancer."
C) "You will likely be facing surgery in the near future, but know that this is very unlikely to eliminate your cancer."
D) "I know it may seem trivial at this point, but the levels of pain that accompany cancer of the pancreas are normally quite low."