Shuli Mualem Reveals Early Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Former Knesset member and journalist Shuli Mualem has provided an update on her health, revealing details about her early-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment. Mualem expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming public support she has received since disclosing her condition.

Mualem explained that her cancer was detected early due to symptoms of abdominal pain and inflammation. These symptoms led her to seek medical attention, resulting in an ultrasound and subsequent CT scan that identified a tumor located between her pancreas and bile ducts. She recounted the moment a surgeon informed her of the "tumor process in the pancreas," and her subsequent confirmation that it was likely cancer.

She noted that her case is unusual, as pancreatic cancer often presents no early symptoms, leading to late-stage diagnoses. Mualem's tumor was discovered eight months ago, without any signs of metastasis. It has since been surgically removed, and three follow-up CT scans have shown no recurrence.

Despite the successful surgery, Mualem is undergoing bi-weekly chemotherapy to minimize the risk of the cancer returning. She described having difficult days but emphasized that she is not experiencing misery or fear. Mualem also addressed questions about a new pancreatic cancer drug, clarifying that it is not currently suitable for her situation as her tumor was removed and no metastases were found. She expressed hope that she will not need it in the future.