Member Profile: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network grew out of desperate search for answers after three loved ones were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and their families realized that no one, not even their doctors, knew much about this difficult, and at the time, relatively unknown disease. As a result of their losses, Paula Kim, Terry Lierman and Pamela Acosta Marquardt formed the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in 1999.
PanCAN has a comprehensive approach to fighting pancreatic cancer, and for more than two decades, they’ve grown a nationwide movement tackling the disease from all angles.
Their mission is to take bold action to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, building community, sharing knowledge and advocating for patients.
More about their comprehensive approach:
Research
They fund transformative research — everything from early detection to innovative new treatment approaches.
Patient Services
They provide wide-ranging information to patients, their families, and healthcare professionals about the disease including treatment options, diet and nutrition, support resources and more, so that patients can make informed decisions about their care.
Advocacy
They mobilize their community to advocate to Congress and educate about the urgent need to increase federal research funding for pancreatic cancer, and they get results.
Community
They empower volunteers as leaders in the fight against pancreatic cancer to strengthen their outreach, increase awareness about the disease, and raise funds to support their mission.
PanCAN is focused on the following priorities to accelerate progress for patients:
- Pioneering the advancement of an early detection strategy for pancreatic cancer.
- Revolutionizing the development of advanced and personalized treatment so that every patient has a fighting chance against this devastating disease.
- Building awareness so everyone knows their risk of getting pancreatic cancer and the early signs and symptoms of the disease.
- Empowering their community with the resources and knowledge they need to advocate for the care they deserve.
- Advocating for increased federal funding so that institutions across the country can continue to build their pancreatic cancer research and care programs.
Over the next year, PanCAN is most looking forward to collaborating with WPCC members to drive greater global awareness about the disease, share knowledge, and amplify the collective impact of their efforts to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. They are especially excited to take part in what they hope will be the most impactful World Pancreatic Cancer Day yet on November 20th — uniting voices around the world to raise critical awareness and accelerate progress against this disease.
