Science & Education
The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition has an ongoing commitment to continuing education for our members. With an emphasis on early detection, treatment, and patient care, we meet in-person, conduct networking events, and lead virtual webinars to share the latest information about pancreatic cancer.
Check out our previous Science & Education Webinars here.
World Pancreatic Cancer Day
Each November, during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, we come together on World Pancreatic Cancer Day to unite the globe in bringing attention to pancreatic cancer and highlighting the need for greater awareness, funding, and research. By standing in unison against this deadly disease, we can create a brighter future for people fighting pancreatic cancer around the world.
World Pancreatic Cancer Day is 21 November, 2024
Global Cancers Coalition Network
The WPCC is delighted to be a part of the Global Cancer Coalition Network (GCCN) which was formed in the wake of COVID-19. GCCN is a collaboration of nine global cancer coalitions and alliances, representing 750 patient organizations working on behalf of 14 million cancer patients around the world.
In December 2020, six GCCN members (including the WPCC) collaborated on a survey examining the impact of COVID-19 on the global cancer community.
The survey results were announced in February 2021 in GCCN’s REPORT COVID-19: IMPACT ON CANCER PATIENT ORGANISATIONS WORLDWIDE IN 2020.
This work updates and extends FINDINGS from a survey of cancer patient organizations worldwide, first carried out in June 2020.
The GCCN report was presented via a live online event on World Cancer Day. You can watch the recording on Vimeo HERE.
WPCC Key Messages
The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC) created the following evidence-based public statements to bring consistency to how WPCC members share information about the disease, support, treatment and more. Each statement is supported by the latest guidelines and/or published research, as referenced below.
Clinical Trials/Treatment Options
Key message: The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition strongly recommends that everyone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is given the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial.
Evidence: Pancreatic cancer patients who participate in clinical research have better outcomes. Clinical trials can advance research and improve treatment options.
Patient Support
Key message: The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition recommends that all patients and their family and caregivers are provided information about where to access support.
Evidence: Support for pancreatic cancer patients improves quality of life and overall well-being, yet patients report high levels of unmet supportive care needs.
Symptom Management and Supportive Care Needs (Diet and Nutrition, Mental Health)
Key message: The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition recommends that pancreatic cancer patients have their symptom management and supportive care needs addressed at all stages of treatment, including diet and nutrition and mental health.
Evidence: Access to healthcare professionals who focus on symptom management and supportive care improves outcomes and is critical for quality of life.
High-Risk Individuals
Key message: The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition recommends increased awareness of family history and access to genetic counselling to assess individual risk, as well as testing for those who are eligible.
Evidence: People with two or more first-degree relatives who have had pancreatic cancer, a first-degree relative who developed pancreatic cancer before the age of 50, or an inherited genetic syndrome associated with pancreatic cancer may have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Precision Medicine
Key message: Patients treated with matched therapies selected through biomarker or genetic testing can live longer. Guidelines recommend all patients undergo genetic testing for inherited mutations at diagnosis and for patients to undergo biomarker testing of their tumor tissue unless it is not advised by their physician. Patients should discuss both tests with their care team.
Evidence: Patients who receive treatment based on their biology can live longer
Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
Key message: The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition recommends increased awareness of pancreatic cancer and the following symptoms that people may experience:
Evidence: Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms in the early stages, and symptoms can be vague.
Pancreatic Cancer Risks
Key message: The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition recommends increased awareness of the following pancreatic cancer risks:
Evidence: Research studies have identified the above as risk factors that may increase the likelihood that someone will develop pancreatic cancer.
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