My mother is 85 years old and was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer; she does not want to have surgery because she feels as if she is too old. I do not want her to give up hope, do you operate on patients this age and older?

I am sorry to hear about your mother’s cancer diagnosis. The decision to have surgery requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits in any given individual.

We have performed operations on otherwise healthy patients even into their 90’s. A thoughtful discussion between your mother and her surgeon is the best place to start.