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Ginsburg Faces Long Odds in Cancer Fight

Justice remains hospitalized, plans quick return to bench

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 6, 2009 3:13 PM CST

(Newser) – Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s pancreatic cancer is likely the more common, deadlier variety, with a high incidence of recurrence and a grim survival rate, HealthDay reports. Doctors took some comfort in the likelihood the cancer was found early. “She was able to have surgery, and only people who are early-stage cases are amenable to surgery,” one said. The Supreme Court said today the justice plans to hear arguments Feb. 23, less than 3 weeks after going under the knife, USA Today reports.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma accounts for 85% of diagnoses, and only about 5% of those patients live 5 years from diagnosis. After yesterday’s surgery, Ginsburg will likely undergo chemotherapy and radiation. The bad news: "Pancreatic cancer usually responds poorly to our available therapies,” the doctor said. Ginsburg, 75, is a 10-year survivor of colon cancer, though the cases are likely unrelated.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg takes part in a swearing in ceremony at the State Department.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg takes part in a swearing in ceremony at the State Department.   (AP Photo)
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.   (AP Photo)
Members of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Members of the U.S. Supreme Court.   (AP Photo)
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg poses for photographs before the University of Pennsylvania Commencement ceremony in 2007.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg poses for photographs before the University of Pennsylvania Commencement ceremony in 2007.   (AP Photo)
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The difference in survival rates is staggering. The odds are that it's pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but there's a chance that it could be a neuroendocrine tumor. - Dr. Aaron Sasson, University of Nebraska Medical Center

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Caps
Feb 6, 2009 3:32 AM CST
My heart goes out to her. I wish her the best.

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