Former Senator Ben Sasse Announces Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska revealed this week that he has been diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 pancreatic cancer, acknowledging the gravity of his condition while maintaining a fighting spirit.

“I’m not going down without a fight,” said Sasse, 53, in a message posted on social media platform X. While recognizing that he has “less time than I’d prefer,” the former senator expressed hope in recent scientific advances, particularly in immunotherapy treatments.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of the disease, with late detection and limited treatment options contributing to poor survival rates. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 67,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2025, with an estimated 51,980 expected to die from it.

The disease is notoriously difficult to detect in its early stages due to vague or absent symptoms and a lack of reliable screening tests. By the time most patients receive a diagnosis, the cancer has typically spread to other organs, significantly complicating treatment options.

Recent research, however, offers glimmers of hope. Scientists at UCLA have reported progress on an experimental immunotherapy designed to attack pancreatic cancer using modified natural killer T (NKT) cells that specifically target cancer cells. Unlike personalized therapies, these cells could potentially be mass-produced from donor stem cells, with researchers estimating that one donor could provide treatments for thousands of patients at a potential cost of around $5,000 per dose.

“One sub-part of God’s grace is found in the jaw-dropping advances science has made the past few years in immunotherapy and more,” Sasse noted in his announcement.

Other research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggests that the amino acid cysteine, found in foods like meat, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts, may help the gut heal after cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Studies in mice showed that cysteine helped regenerate intestinal stem cells often damaged during cancer therapy, though researchers emphasize that human studies are still needed.

The risk factors for pancreatic cancer include both genetic and lifestyle components. A study published in PLOS Medicine by the International Agency for Research on Cancer found that alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk, with each additional 10 grams of ethanol consumed daily linked to a 3% increase in risk. Higher consumption levels, particularly of beer and spirits, were associated with even greater risk.

Age also plays a significant role, with men slightly more susceptible than women. Family history, inherited genetic mutations, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and lack of physical activity all contribute to increased risk. Diets high in processed or red meats and low in fruits and vegetables may also be contributing factors.

When symptoms of pancreatic cancer do appear, they often include abdominal pain that may spread to the back or sides, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Some patients develop jaundice—yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes—along with light-colored stools, dark urine, and itching. A new diagnosis of diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes can also be a warning sign.

Despite these known risk factors, many people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have no clear predisposing conditions, making prevention challenging.

Sasse’s public disclosure of his diagnosis brings renewed attention to this devastating disease. As a relatively young patient at 53, his case highlights the fact that pancreatic cancer can affect individuals across age groups, though risk does increase with age.

Medical experts continue to emphasize the importance of recognizing potential symptoms and consulting healthcare professionals promptly, while researchers pursue new treatment approaches that may eventually improve outcomes for this challenging form of cancer.