Why Advocacy Matters

More than 80% of pancreatic cancer research funding comes from the federal government. That’s why PanCAN continues to lead the way to ensure the needs of patients are top of mind with members of Congress.

While Congress is responsible for setting the federal government’s spending priorities, every one of us has a voice in advocating for what those priorities should be. Don’t forget: members of Congress work for you! For over a decade, PanCAN advocates have demanded increased federal funding for lifesaving cancer research that has unlocked breakthroughs in the field.

While more must be done, we’ve accomplished a lot together. Here are just a few wins we’ve achieved:

In 2019, PanCAN advocates like you secured the first-ever federally funded research program dedicated to pancreatic cancer. The program was funded for $6 million in its first year, and PanCAN advocates not only have successfully secured funding for this program each subsequent year, but also got the annual amount increased to $15 million for a cumulative total so far of $51 million. This year we're urging Congress to increase that investment to $20 million.

The increase in federal pancreatic cancer research funding at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since PanCAN's founding.

Members of Congress who were part of the Congressional Caucus on the Deadliest Cancers in the 117th Congress – a number we hope to improve upon in the 118th.

In 2023, advocates took action in every state, making 27,677 connections with members of Congress.

Every member of Congress was contacted with our message in 2023 – join us this year and help us get to 100%!

You Fund the Progress We Make

It’s that simple. PanCAN advocates for increases in federal funding but receives no government support and relies on the generosity of donors like you to fund our critical programs. Give now to accelerate progress in pancreatic cancer and improve patient outcomes.