Pancreatic Cancer North America

As we recognize #FireFighterCancerAwarenessMonth, our thoughts are with those currently fighting the wildfires spreading across Los Angeles. This tragedy is a prime example of why we have made it a priority to advocate for and support fire fighters. While they fight for our lives, we must continue to advocate for their health and wellbeing as they face an increased risk of cancer. Learn more about our work to support fire fighters and their loved ones on our website: https://lnkd.in/gr_eB4UN

As we welcome 2025, we are determined to make this a year of change and progress for those impacted by pancreatic cancer. With rising diagnoses in younger generations and alarmingly low survival rates, it’s clear that change is urgently needed. We need your support to drive research, increase awareness, and demand the action needed to shift the course of this disease. Together, we can make a difference.

As the holiday season approaches, we hope you find moments of peace, warmth, and connection with those who matter most to you. This time of year can bring both joy and challenges, but know that you are surrounded by a community that cares deeply and stands by your side. Happy holidays from all of us at Pancreatic Cancer North America. May the spirit of togetherness carry you through this holiday season and into the new year ahead.

Early detection of pancreatic cancer can mean the difference between life and death, but diagnosing it in its early, more treatable stages remains a significant challenge. That’s why we are proud to invest in Dr. Eugene Koay’s innovative research project to address this challenge by using AI to combine diagnostic imaging and blood-based biomarkers. In our latest blog post, Dr. Koay shares what makes the study unique and its potential for identifying new methods for diagnosing pancreatic cancer at earlier stages. Read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gqUxE8az

"The real issue isn’t whether it’s possible to improve outcomes – it’s that we haven’t yet prioritized pancreatic cancer enough to make it happen." Our CEO, Michelle Capobianco recently spoke to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) about the importance of early detection and how it can lead us out of the global pancreatic cancer crisis we're currently facing. Read more through the link below: https://bit.ly/3ZzNzi9

You can make a big impact on the world's toughest cancer with a simple action this holiday season: by creating a Facebook or Instagram fundraiser. Every dollar raised helps us to drive awareness for pancreatic cancer, fund innovative research, and offer specialized services for patients and caregivers affected by this disease. Learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/ggEG6nSR

The FDA has granted accelerated approval to zenocutuzumab-zbco (Bizengri) for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer harboring an NRG1 gene fusion. This news is especially exciting given it's the first systemic therapy of its kind for this gene group. For a disease with a survival rate of just 13%, this news represents more than just a treatment; it's a step toward giving patients more time and a better quality of life, while underscoring the importance of continued investment in bold solutions for this disease. Read more: https://bit.ly/4fu5BZn

#GivingTuesday is a global movement to do better for each other through acts of generosity. This year, it comes during a global pancreatic cancer crisis - the number of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is increasing each year, but the survival rate has not improved beyond 10%. Your gift can help us to collectively demand better for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. Every donation made between today and the end of December will be matched (to a maximum of $20,000). Give today: https://lnkd.in/ddCxeCDY

As #PancreaticCancerAwarenessMonth comes to a close, we are reflecting on the stories shared throughout November. Dan, Sarah, and many others shined a light on the human impact of pancreatic cancer with stories of grief, hope, and determination for change. Your voices will continue to drive our mission to raise awareness, increase early detection, and improve survival rates. With every story shared, every dollar raised, and every conversation sparked, we’re building momentum towards a future where pancreatic cancer is not only treatable, but survivable. Thank you for showing us that together, we can do more.

As a palliative care physician and researcher at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Yvan BEAUSSANT has dedicated his career to promoting a holistic approach to care, especially as it relates to managing the complex interplay of physical, emotional, social and spiritual suffering. Dr. Beaussant’s current research focuses on exploring how psychedelic-assisted therapies can provide insight into patients' psycho-existential experiences and offer novel ways to address chronic pain and psycho-existential distress. His work is centered on patients with advanced cancer, where unmet needs in pain and psychosocial care are critical. “Building upon our previous research assessing psilocybin-assisted therapy as a treatment for existential distress, this study investigates a similar treatment regimen with a different patient population to look at the experience of pain, especially pain that does not respond well to conventional treatments. In this study, we also look at the connections between physical pain and psychological distress to understand how pain interacts with mental health. I’m really interested in understanding how improved mental health and improved outlook can potentially impact physical symptoms, engagement in cancer treatment and even survival.” Learn more about this groundbreaking research and how it could constitute a major advancement in cancer care for all cancers: https://lnkd.in/gp3KEZiE