Pancreatic cancer is a tough disease to beat, with only 11.5% of patients surviving more than five years. But Nebraska Medicine researchers are working hard to find new ways to boost survival.

A recent study showed rates of pancreatic cancer in women under age 55 rose 2.4% between 2001 and 2018. In May, E-News correspondent Maria Menounos, 44, revealed she was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer earlier in the year, a high-profile case that seems to reflect the study’s disturbing trend.

Since 1960, liver cancer incidence has more than tripled.

The pancreas connects to the small intestine and is located in the upper abdomen. It drains digestive enzymes into the small intestine to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It also produces hormones and releases them into the blood.