A new assay rapidly detected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and differentiated it from noncancer pancreatic diseases by measuring cancer-associated protease activity in a small amount of blood.

Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar announced in a statement Monday that he is battling pancreatic cancer. In the statement, Edgar, 78, said the cancer has spread as he and his wife are "facing a new, significant challenge.

A new blood-based test could diagnose pancreatic cancer much earlier, improving outcomes for people with the disease.

The Republican who was Illinois governor throughout the 1990s said he was diagnosed in mid-January and has undergone three chemotherapy treatments.

Pancreatic cancer has a low survival rate and is usually found too late — this new test may help change that Researchers have developed an inexpensive blood test that they say can detect pancreatic cancer — even in its early stages.

Paired with an existing test, this could become a life-saving diagnostic tool for people with a notoriously deadly form of cancer.

Scientists at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have developed a new blood test for pancreatic cancer, one of the most deadly forms of the disease. Tests showed up to 85% accuracy in detection,