Actress Mindy Kaling, 41, Continues to Thrive After Losing Mom to Pancreatic Cancer; New HBO Film Next On Her List

Kaling’s new film, Good in Bed, is an adaptation of the New York Times bestseller by Jennifer Weiner. With Kaling at the helm, we’re excited to see this new feature. The actress has continued to be an inspiration for many who have faced a cancer-related loss of a loved one. The grief from this kind of loss can be immeasurable. Working through the emotions of grief is an ongoing, personal process Kaling shows us how to thrive while working through loss of any kind.

Detecting Pancreatic Cancer

Mindy Kaling’s mother, Dr. Swati Chokalingam, died of pancreatic cancer in January 2012 (she passed on the same day that Kaling’s eponymous television show, The Mindy Project, was picked up by FOX). Early detection is key for pancreatic cancer and increases the rate of survival. And while treatment paths differ depending on the type of cancer, one fact is consistent across all cancers: The sooner the cancer is caught, the higher the chance of successfully treating it.

Related: Patrick Swayze Died 11 Years Ago From Pancreatic Cancer; Today We're Encouraged By Others Battling the Disease Like Alex Trebek & Harry Reid

Dr. Anirban Maitra, the co-leader of the Pancreatic Cancer Moon Shot at MD Anderson Cancer Center, tells SurvivorNet how crucial early detection is for pancreatic cancer, saying, “With a five-year survival rate of just nine percent, it's vital that it's caught as early as possible. Nearly 57,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year.”

Related: Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Just Became a Lot More Accessible; New Platform Is Designed to Test Multiple Therapies at the Same Time

Pancreatic cancer survival rates continue to improve, however, the disease is largely incurable (unless the tumor is small enough that it can be operated on). Pancreatic cancers tend to be aggressive and rapidly progressing, which means early detection is of the utmost importance. How can you detect this cancer early? One way is to know the symptoms and speak to a doctor immediately if you experience any of them.

Detecting Pancreatic Cancer Early Is Crucial

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

There are some symptoms that can point to pancreatic cancer. Pay attention to your body, and see if you spot any of these symptoms. If so, consult with a doctor as soon as possible. People with pancreatic cancer may experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin of the eyes), weight loss, digestive troubles, change in stools, back pain, and diabetes. Diabetes with weight loss triples the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Related: 3 Key Pancreatic Cancer Red Flags to Look Out For; Some Were Present in Alex Trebek & Patrick Swayze

In addition to spotting symptoms, it’s important to know your family’s pancreatic cancer history. Dr. Matira tells SurvivorNet, “If two or more members of your family have had pancreatic cancer, or if you have pancreatic cysts, then you're at high risk, and it's worth asking your doctor to check for pancreatic cancer. Up to ten percent of pancreatic cancer cases are caused by inherited genetic syndromes.” If you have a history of pancreatic cancer, speak to your doctor about screening for this disease.

Challenges to Screening for Pancreatic Cancer

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