Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Every patient journey is unique — and so are the moments of strength along the way. We invite you to share your own moment of empowerment in the comments. 💜💬

Juan Piña helps patients and families navigate a diagnosis of #pancreaticcancer through his work as a PanCAN Patient Services Navigator. 💜 Prior to joining PanCAN, he graduated from California State University, Long Beach and worked as a paralegal in an immigration office, where he learned the intricacies of case management and the importance of empathy. Today, as a Spanish-speaking member of the team, Juan draws from his own experiences growing up in his desire to serve this population. In this role, he provides an extra level of support and attention to patients and caregivers facing external barriers to care. “I am a first-generation kid whose parents immigrated to this country from Mexico, which has led me to empathize with and want to help the Spanish-speaking community,” he shares. “I’ve always felt this sense that I want to help people. I always want to do what I can to be a better person.” As part of our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to learn more about Juan and his work with PanCAN. Read this story in English ➡️ http://pcan.at/m4mq0y   Lea esta historia en español ➡️ http://pcan.at/87usry 

Want to make a difference for people facing #pancreaticcancer this October? 💜 There are many meaningful ways you can be a catalyst for change for the pancreatic cancer community: 🕯️ Create a Tribute or Memorial Page – Celebrate the life of someone you love by starting a personalized fundraising page in their honor. 🎃 Host Your Own Fundraiser – This October, put a creative spin on giving back! Organize a Halloween costume contest, pumpkin carving party or movie night and make it a fundraiser for PanCAN. 📲 Fundraise on Social Media – Launch a Facebook or Instagram fundraiser and rally your community to support PanCAN’s mission. Every gift brings us closer to improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. Visit pancan.org/diy to start your fundraiser today

This weekend in Boston, PanCAN brought together our Community for Progress at our annual Scientific Summit — a gathering of researchers, patient advocates, industry partners, PanCAN grantees, volunteers and donors dedicated to advancing #pancreaticcancer research and care. 🔬🧬🧪 Over several days, leaders in the field shared the latest progress in pancreatic cancer research — from advances in treatment strategies and new insights into disease biology to innovations in data sharing and patient care. The program featured presentations from early-career investigators, fellows and seasoned experts, alongside discussions on accelerating therapeutic development and strengthening collaborations across the community. Sessions also highlighted how patient data can fuel discovery and how the community can navigate uncertainties in federal research funding together. By convening this community, PanCAN continues to lead the charge, connecting experts, innovators and patients in a shared mission. We have always been a champion for the scientific and medical community who are driving advances in the field and a lifeline for those who are facing pancreatic cancer today and in the future. That will not change. 💜

This weekend in Boston, I had the privilege of joining researchers, patient advocates, industry partners, volunteers, and other special guests at PanCAN’s Scientific Summit 2025. At a time of both great promise and real challenges for #pancreaticcancer research, it’s more important than ever that we come together, share ideas, and support one another in confronting this new reality.   I’m grateful to our Board of Directors, Scientific and Medical Advisory Board members, the many presenters who shared their expertise and traveled from near and far, donors, volunteers and to the inspiring survivors that joined us, including #PanCANvolunteer and survivor pictured here with me — a powerful reminder of why we do this work every day. Together, we are catalysts for change. 💜

There’s still time to earn a PurpleStride Team Captain bandana! ⏰ Just register as a Team Captain for #PanCANPurpleStride 2026, happening on Saturday, April 25, 2026, and raise or self-donate $50+ by Thursday, October 9, at 11:59 p.m. PT. We want to see you leading your team at our biggest community event of the year, so register now! 👟 Thank you for registering as a Team Captain — you are a true catalyst for change for patients and their families. 💜 We can’t wait to see you for another year of PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate walk to end #pancreaticcancer!

More than 67,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with #pancreaticcancer in 2025. That’s 184 people who will hear the news every day. 💜 The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines “rare cancers” as those occurring in fewer than 15 out of 100,000 people. So, affecting slightly more than 13 out of 100,000 people, pancreatic cancer is considered rare. While about 90% of pancreatic cancer cases are pancreatic adenocarcinoma, there are also types of pancreatic cancer — such as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) — that are even less common. Despite these numbers that are low relative to more common cancers, pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. This disease demands attention. And because pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late, when fewer standard treatment options are available, and there is no established early detection method, it’s important for the public to be aware of risk factors for and symptoms of the disease to help patients get diagnosed earlier, when possible. The rare nature of pancreatic cancer also means that most oncologists only see one or two people with pancreatic cancer a year. It’s hard for these oncologists to be up to date on the latest diagnostic, treatment and care information for the disease. PanCAN recommends consulting with a specialist who has experience diagnosing and treating the disease in many patients each year. 🥼 Learn more about why precision medicine is important for pancreatic cancer patients ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gx9KWcZn

Richard Sterban, longtime bass vocalist of The Oak Ridge Boys, has been diagnosed with #pancreaticcancer. We appreciate him openly sharing his diagnosis, helping bring much-needed awareness to this disease. All of us at PanCAN are sending hope and strength to Richard and all who love him. Please join us in sharing your messages of support in the comments. If you or a loved one has been impacted by pancreatic #cancer, we’re here for you. Our Patient Services team provides free, personal, one-to-one support. Highly trained and compassionate Case Managers can answer questions about the disease, guide you to resources and help you navigate every step of your journey. Visit 🔗 pancan.org/patientservices to get started today. We must drive progress forward for patients like Richard. We're building a future where early detection, precision treatments and equitable access fundamentally change what it means to live with pancreatic cancer. 💜 📷: HELLO! Magazine

I absolutely loved connecting with PanCAN volunteer and survivor Lori Kershner! 💜 Eight years ago, at age 34, she was diagnosed with stage 1 pancreatic cancer. "I know I am very, very lucky. There are not as many people like me, who can talk about pancreatic cancer from the survivor perspective, as there should be. When people learn my story, they see how different outcomes can be when there’s an early diagnosis. I had a second kid after this! He’s now five years old. I think my story gives people hope, and I like being a person who can give others even a bit of hope." Lori's enthusiasm about all things PanCAN PurpleStride was infectious, and I could easily imagine how much energy and joy she brings to PurpleStride Cleveland. Thank you for all you do for the pancreatic cancer community, Lori! 👏 #pancan Read my Q&A with Lori: https://lnkd.in/eG2zNX8N

Today, we honor Drake Hogestyn, the beloved star of Days of our Lives, who passed away last year from #pancreaticcancer at age 70 — just one day shy of his 71st birthday. For nearly four decades, he brought the iconic John Black to life, touching the hearts of fans around the world. 📺 Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of just 13%. In 2025, more than 67,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed, and nearly 52,000 will lose their lives to this disease. We continue the fight against pancreatic cancer in Drake’s honor — and for everyone affected by this devastating disease. 💜 📷: AoL