Remembering Susan Saint James and Pancreatic Cancer

What was reported

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress known for "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie," died on Monday, October 26, 2026. She was 80.

Fox News and The Daily Beast, both on October 27, reported that she died of pancreatic cancer, and both attributed the news to People magazine. The Daily Beast wrote that her agent told People. Neither outlet gave a place of death.

Both outlets described her career. She won a 1969 Primetime Emmy for "The Name of the Game," played Sally McMillan on "McMillan & Wife" from 1971 to 1976, and starred opposite Jane Curtin on "Kate & Allie" from 1984 to 1989. Fox News also noted her long involvement with the Special Olympics.

What was not reported

The reports did not say when she was diagnosed, what stage the cancer was, or what treatment she had. This article does not guess at any of it.

Two kinds of pancreatic cancer

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says pancreatic cancer can start in either of the pancreas's two kinds of cells. The more common, exocrine type is usually found at an advanced stage. The endocrine type, called a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, is less common and has a better outlook.

Signs worth knowing

NCI lists these possible signs and symptoms:

• Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back.
• Jaundice: yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, light-colored stools, dark urine, and itching.
• Weight loss for no known reason.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fatigue.
• Gas or bloating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Swelling in the legs.

NCI also says new-onset diabetes in someone with no known diabetes risk factors may be an early sign. NCI notes that advanced pancreatic cancer makes the blood clot more easily. A clot can cause a swollen, painful leg or shortness of breath.

These signs can have many other causes. They are a reason to ask, not a diagnosis.

When to see a doctor

NCI advises checking with a doctor about any concerning sign or symptom. A doctor will usually ask when it started and how often it happens, and will probably start with an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan.

A leg that is swollen, painful, warm or red can be a sign of a blood clot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says to see a doctor as soon as possible. Sudden trouble breathing or chest pain can mean a clot has reached the lungs. MedlinePlus says to call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Screening and lowering risk

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against screening people without symptoms who are at average risk. People with certain inherited gene changes or a family history of pancreatic cancer are at higher risk and are not covered by that advice. If that is you, NCI suggests talking with a doctor about screening options and genetic counseling.

NCI states that nothing can prevent pancreatic cancer. It lists risk factors, including age, smoking, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and heavy alcohol use. NCI says quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and keeping a healthy weight and diet can help lower the risk of pancreatic and other cancers.

More on this site

• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatic cancer: signs and symptoms
• Pancreatic cancer risk factors
• Why most people aren't screened for pancreatic cancer

Sources

• Fox News: "Kate & Allie" star Susan Saint James dead at 80
• The Daily Beast: Emmy-winning actress Susan St. James dies at 80
• NCI: Pancreatic Cancer
• NCI: Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
• NCI: Pancreatic Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Pancreatic Cancer Screening
• CDC: About Blood Clots
• MedlinePlus: Pulmonary embolus

How this article was prepared

An AI-assisted editorial system helped prepare this page. No named medical reviewer has reviewed it unless one is listed.

Cancer Explained is published by the National Cancer Information Foundation. It is not medical advice and does not suggest a test or treatment.

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