The PanCan Effect – The Real Impact of Patient Advocacy in Pancreatic Cancer

We delve into the world of pancreatic cancer with Pamela Acosta Marquardt, founder of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), and Julie Fleshman, its president and CEO, to discover the inspiring story behind PanCAN's creation and the remarkable progress made in the fight against this challenging disease.PanCan’s patient advocacy has revolutionized pancreatic cancer research funding, treatment options, and survival rates, transforming a landscape once marked by despair into one filled with hope. We discuss PanCAN's ambitious five-year plan to further improve outcomes, the importance of precision medicine - genetic and genomic testing, and emerging research on the link between new-onset diabetes and pancreatic cancer. This episode provides crucial insights and practical tips for patients, families, and healthcare professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of pancreatic cancer care.Key Takeaways:Precision Medicine: genetic and genomic biomarker testing are essential for personalized treatment approaches, and all pancreatic cancer patients should ask for these tests.PanCAN's Patient Services Program offers free case management to help patients and families navigate diagnosis, treatment, and support resources.PanCAN's efforts have contributed to increasing the five-year survival rate from 4% to 13%, with a goal to reach 20% in the next five years.