News and Stories About patient support
Friday Fix: Managing Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms and Side Effects During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is causing challenges for pancreatic cancer patients – from delayed appointments and procedures to worries […]
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Las Vegas Survivor’s ‘Living Lucky’ Attitude
Editor’s note: Today is National Cancer Survivors Day and we celebrate all pancreatic cancer survivors, whether they were diagnosed today […]
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Friday Fix: Staying Mentally Active
In attempts to reduce the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Americans have been asked to stay at home […]
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Why It’s Important to Advocate for Yourself During Coronavirus Pandemic
You are your own best advocate. If you’ve been diagnosed with a disease like pancreatic cancer, it’s important to get […]
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Doctor Shares How to Be a Patient Champion
Christos Fountzilas, MD, is proud to be a member of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) Patient Champions program. “PanCAN […]
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What to Know About Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) recommends clinical trials for pancreatic cancer patients. Right now, though, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) […]
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Love for a Survivor and Pediatrician on Mother’s Day
Editor’s note: Today kicks off a series of stories celebrating – and remembering – beloved mothers in honor of Mother’s […]
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Survivor Connecting with Survivors for Hope
Editor’s note: This week, we are telling stories about strong connections developed through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) Survivor […]
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Two Southern California Survivors Form an Uplifting Connection
Editor’s note: This week, we are telling stories about strong connections developed through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) Survivor […]
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5 Ways for Pancreatic Cancer Patients to Prepare for Telemedicine Visits
Because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, many Americans and people around the world have been instructed to practice social […]
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Volunteer Goes “Above and Beyond” to Help Other Survivors
Editor’s note: April 19-25 is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating, recognizing and thanking Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) volunteers […]
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Celebrating Nurses During National Nurses Week 2020
Editor’s note: Nurses play a vital role for pancreatic cancer patients. In honor of National Nurses Week 2020 (May 6-12), […]
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Patient Central Supports Caregiver During Pandemic
When Debbie Liang called the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) Patient Central recently, she was quite anxious. Liang’s husband, Jack, […]
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Friday Fix: How Can Foods Boost Your Immune System?
Editor’s note: Because of the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we’re focusing this week’s Friday Fix on foods and behaviors […]
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Staying Connected with PanCAN During Social Distancing
Editor’s note: Please continue to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for up-to-date information and guidelines about coronavirus […]
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Celebrating Physicians on National Doctors’ Day
“Doctors are true heroes!” – Luisa, whose grandmother fought pancreatic cancer National Doctors’ Day, March 30, is a time to […]
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What to Do if You Are COVID-19 Symptomatic
Editor’s note: Please continue to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for updated information and guidelines about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), […]
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Tips and Practices for Self-Care
Editor’s note: For information about how coronavirus disease (COVID-19) affects pancreatic cancer patients, please see our blog covering frequently asked questions […]
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Preparing for Further Social Distancing
Editor’s note: Please continue to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for updated information and guidelines about coronavirus disease (COVID-19), […]
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How Patient Central Improves the Lives of People Facing Pancreatic Cancer
Editor’s note: Especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Patient Central is available to provide free, in-depth and personalized resources and information […]
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Molecular Profiling Gave Patient More Options
Stage IV pancreatic cancer survivor Ken Harding was no longer having great results after nine months on standard chemotherapy. But […]
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Accelerating Personalized Care for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
“Accelerating Personalized Care” was the theme for the 2020 Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers Symposium, which took place Jan. 23-25 in San […]
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Moments Matter: Joe LaRose
His wife saved his life. Joe LaRose gives credit for his early pancreatic cancer diagnosis to her – he had […]
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A Survivor Lives to Be Their Sunshine
Life is better now. Before Adam Deal, 35, was told he had between two and 12 months left to live […]
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What Brian Learned When Caring for His Wife
Editor’s note: During Caregiver Appreciation Month, we honor the challenging but important role of pancreatic cancer caregivers by sharing the […]
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Siri Co-founder: ‘I’ll Wear Purple the Rest of My Life’
Dag Kittlaus was expecting a routine follow-up message when the doctor’s office called after his physical exam in November 2016. […]
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Famous Rock Band Member Fights Pancreatic Cancer
His father died of pancreatic cancer in 1974. For decades, Frankie Banali knew that the same disease – of which […]
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Moments Matter: Anna Shen
Editor’s note: We sat down with Anna Shen for this interview on the day that her mother, Lucy, would have […]
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10 Ways to Make a Difference
National Make a Difference Day is the fourth Saturday in October each year and is about taking community service to […]
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FDA Hosts Patient Advocacy Leaders
Patient advocacy leaders, including Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) chief medical officer Victoria Manax, MD, gave opening remarks at the […]
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Alex Trebek’s Treatment Update
Today in an interview on “Good Morning America,” beloved “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek announced that he is going back on […]
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How to Manage Grief After a Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
Editor’s note: Today’s blog post covers patient grief, which is a natural reaction some pancreatic cancer patients experience after receiving […]
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Tips to Manage the Cost of Pancreatic Enzymes
Pancreatic enzymes can be key to a pancreatic cancer patient’s wellbeing and quality of life. But correct enzyme use is […]
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8 Treatment Side Effects to Know
Pancreatic cancer treatments can cause a range of side effects. But communicating with your healthcare team and receiving supportive (palliative) […]
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What Is a Multidisciplinary Team?
Pancreatic cancer is complex, which is why many patients are cared for by multidisciplinary teams. A multidisciplinary team brings together […]
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7 Physical Challenges Supportive Care Can Help
It’s important for pancreatic cancer patients to take good care of their overall health. But that can be difficult when […]
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Alex Trebek Shares His Pancreatic Cancer Journey
“Jeopardy!” show host Alex Trebek, 78, opened up about his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in a CBS News “Sunday Morning” interview […]
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PanCAN Discusses Partnerships that Support Patients
On April 3, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) associate director of clinical initiatives, Cassadie Moravek, joined other patient advocacy […]
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Moments Matter: Maryann Grau
Cancer is no laughing matter, which makes Maryann Grau’s gift of humor invaluable. It pulled her through the stress of […]
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Caring Tips for Pancreatic Cancer Patients and Caregivers
Editor’s note: Pancreatic cancer survivor Roberta Luna contributed to a Huffington Post article about little things people can do to […]
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PanCAN President & CEO Invited to Speak at Annual Meeting for Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Specialists
Last week, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) president and CEO, Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA gave the presidential invited lecture at […]
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Tips for Managing Common Nutritional Challenges
Getting the proper nutrition by choosing the right foods is an important way for patients with pancreatic cancer to feel […]
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Moments Matter: Karen Kiernan
Around Christmas 2016, Karen Kiernan was enjoying the holidays at her family home in Truckee, Calif., when she began to […]
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How to Manage Seasonal Depression
Editor’s note: Each week, our Friday Fix series offers pancreatic cancer patients and caregivers a new topic related to health, diet and […]
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TIME Features Importance of Right Team, Tests, Treatment Post-Diagnosis
A recently published article on TIME.com highlights important steps patients should take after a cancer diagnosis and mentions that the […]
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5 Ways Supportive (Palliative) Care Can Help at Diagnosis
It’s never too early for pancreatic cancer patients and their families to benefit from supportive (palliative) care, which focuses on […]
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Precision Medicine Panel Champions Collaborative Learning and Partnerships
Last week, Jenny Isaacson, vice president of strategic partnerships and projects at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), championed cross-sector […]
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It Starts with Someone: Christopher Hammerle, MD
Editor’s note: Our “It Starts with Someone” series chronicles all kinds of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supporters – volunteers, […]
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Survivor Fights Pancreatic Cancer with Genetics
Elise Tedeschi was shocked when she was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. She was only 42 years old, enjoying […]
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PanCAN Joins National Summit on Patient Advocacy
All cancer patients deserve the best care available, but not all can receive it. For some, the problem is financial. […]
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10 Holiday Gift Ideas for Cancer Patients
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season in full-force, finding the perfect gift for everyone on your […]
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Share Your Pancreatic Cancer Story
Personal stories are powerful and helpful to the pancreatic cancer community. They: 1. Inform “After hearing countless stories of people […]
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When the Patient Advocate Becomes the Patient
Editor’s note: Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, is the president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Under her […]
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9 Questions to Ask Before Holiday Travel
Taking any trips this holiday season? Beyond the regular hustle and bustle of getting suitcases packed and setting up any […]
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Apps to Help Organize Your Medical Info
Editor’s note: October is “Organize Your Medical Info Month.” For this observance, we’re resharing some tips on getting organized after […]
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What Is ‘Scanxiety’ and How to Manage It
Scanxiety – no, it’s not a real word yet, but the fear is real, and it is widely shared among […]
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How to Ask for Help When Fighting Pancreatic Cancer
Many of us are taught from a young age to be independent and take care of things ourselves. But when […]
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It Starts with Someone: Susie Lemieux
Editor’s note: This previously published survivor’s story mentions PurpleStride Orange County and the Susie’s Striders Team. This year the event […]
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How Patient Central Can Support You
Many people familiar with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) know about its Patient Central Associates – the highly trained […]
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Nutrition Resources Help Survivor Post-Treatment
Not long after Marie Durbin lost her husband to lung cancer, she started having cancer symptoms of her own. Mild, […]
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Your Role as a Pancreatic Cancer Caregiver
Pancreatic cancer caregivers can be family members, partners, close friends or anyone helping a loved one who is fighting the […]
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Tips for Patients in Hurricane’s Path
Riding out a hurricane is a difficult feat for anyone living in the affected areas, but living with pancreatic cancer […]
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Tips for Long-distance Caregivers
Editor’s note: The coronavirus pandemic and preventative measures that followed – including social distancing and reducing travel – have resulted in many people being […]
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Healthy Skincare Tips for Patients in Treatment
Although pancreatic cancer patients have similar experiences, most are unique. This is especially true when it comes to side effects […]
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Clinical Trials 101
Editor’s note: January is National Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month. In honor of the month, we are re-sharing this […]
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How to Prepare for Your Doctor’s Appointments
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) recently interviewed one of our Patient Central Associates about how pancreatic cancer patients can […]
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Summer Reading: Titles to Inspire, Give Hope
Editor’s note: In honor of National Book Lovers Day on Aug. 9, 2018, we asked Pancreatic Cancer Action Network staff […]
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Spreading Hope on Epic Road Trip
This summer, Lori and Terri are road tripping to more than 20 national parks across the United States. The trip […]
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Feeling Your Best Inside and Out When Fighting Pancreatic Cancer
Editor’s note: September is Self-Care Awareness Month, and in honor of this, we are republishing a previously written article that […]
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Building a Support System for Patients
Getting diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and living with the disease can be confusing and highly emotional. Throughout the journey, support […]
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First Chemotherapy Appointment: What To Expect
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) recently interviewed one of our Patient Central Associates about what to expect during chemotherapy […]
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11 Things Patients and Caregivers Wish They Knew Sooner
A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families. But those facing this disease are not alone. […]
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Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Do’s and Don’ts
Your doctor diagnosed pancreatic cancer and recommended that treatment begin immediately. What do you do? First, remember that you should […]
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It Starts with Someone: The Russo Daughters
Editor’s note: Our “It Starts with Someone” series chronicles all kinds of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supporters – volunteers, […]
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10 Inspired Quotes in Honor of National Cancer Survivors Day
Today is National Cancer Survivors Day, a time to recognize survivors worldwide and their caregivers who have supported them throughout […]
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Ask Patient Central: How to Be Your Own Advocate
The latest installment in our “Ask Patient Central” series addresses self-advocacy, why it’s important and how patients (and caregivers acting […]
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Tips for Managing Neuropathy, a Common Treatment Side Effect
Editor’s note: Peripheral neuropathy is a common issue pancreatic cancer patients face. Here, we share tips for managing it. Certain […]
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The Critical Role Nurses Play in the Care of Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Editor’s note: National Nurses Week is May 6-12. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) thanks and celebrates the nurses who […]
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After Diagnosis: Finding Your “New Normal”
Yes, life changes after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. But experts agree that living each day as normally as you can, […]
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U.S. News & World Report Features Chief Medical Officer
In a recent U.S. News & World Report article, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Chief Medical Officer Victoria Manax, MD, […]
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Treating the Patient, Not Just the Cancer
In the field of healthcare, the term “comprehensive care” refers to the approach of treating the whole patient. Healthcare teams […]
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Maintaining Hope, One Page at a Time
For newly diagnosed patients and those who have been living with pancreatic cancer, waves of fear, sadness and anger can […]
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Top Cancer Organizations Team Up for Better Treatment Outcomes
Last summer, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) shared exciting news about its role in the Harvard Business School’s Kraft […]
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Connecting You with the Best Information
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) strives to be the most helpful resource possible for those facing pancreatic cancer and […]
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PanCAN’s Precision Medicine Results Featured at Major Meeting
The 2018 Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers Symposium is taking place in San Francisco, Jan. 18 to 20. The meeting brings together […]
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8 Travel Tips for Patients
The holidays often involve travel, which may seem burdensome for those with pancreatic cancer. Though the holidays are synonymous with […]
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Finding the Right Clinical Trial for You
Choosing a clinical trial on your own can be challenging. Some trial listings are out-of-date, and others require looking through […]
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How to Navigate Pancreatic Cancer Resources
Receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis can stop a family in their tracks. Not only must patients and their loved ones […]
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Cancer
It is not unusual for a life-altering diagnosis like cancer to induce deep emotional distress in the patient and affected […]
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Coping for Patients and Caregivers
Pancreatic cancer patients and their loved ones face a wide variety of challenges. While the disease affects everyone differently, some […]
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It’s World Mental Health Day
Editor’s note: The World Health Organization (WHO) designates Oct. 10 each year as World Mental Health Day with the overall […]
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4 Tips for Managing Stress, Especially During a Crisis
Current events tied to a crisis or the pain and suffering of others can leave many feeling anxious, depressed and […]
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10 Tips to Help You Get Organized After Diagnosis
A pancreatic cancer diagnosis and the decisions that come after can feel overwhelming. But getting organized can help patients and […]
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Ask Patient Central: What Can Patients Do to Manage Pain?
Today we introduce a new series, “Ask Patient Central,” in which we pose to our team a common question from […]
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Nebraska Volunteers and Researcher Praise New Cancer Center
The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, a revolutionary cancer care facility in Nebraska, welcomed the PanCAN Omaha Affiliate recently […]
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Friday Fix: Think Fall in the Kitchen
With fall just around the corner, the weather is cooling down, the leaves will be turning colors soon, and yes – you […]
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The Power of Positive Thinking
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, battle metaphors often prevail – He is such a fighter! She will win this […]
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PanCAN Is Here to Help During a Natural Disaster
Whether it’s hurricanes, storms, wildfires or earthquakes, we’re all vulnerable to the risk – and reality – of natural disasters. […]
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Supportive Care for the Patient: What It Is and Why It’s Critical
Dorothy Yamamoto’s husband, Joe, is a pancreatic cancer survivor. Throughout his treatment, the couple has especially appreciated his healthcare team’s […]
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Suggestions for Patients in a Natural Disaster
With Hurricane Irma now setting its sights on Florida, people there who are dealing with a life-altering illness like pancreatic […]
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Weathering the Storm: How Cancer Patients Can Cope During a Natural Disaster
Given the recent devastation of Hurricane Harvey and other similar natural disasters, it’s not a surprise that these events can […]
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5 Ways Pets Can Make Us Feel Better
If you have a pet, you know that your furry friend can brighten your mood. Now, research is reaffirming what […]
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Relaxation for Patients and Caregivers
Editor’s note: Since September is Self-Care Awareness Month, we are republishing this article containing tips for self-care related to both […]
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NPR and JAMA Oncology Highlight Financial Impact of Cancer
A research letter published in JAMA Oncology this week highlights out-of-pocket costs, financial distress and underinsurance in cancer care. NPR […]
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Coping with the Financial Impact of Cancer
CancerCare recently published survey findings showing the financial impact of cancer. They found that people with cancer – from those […]
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Why a Pancreatic Cancer Call Center?
A recent NPR piece highlighted an important topic: cancer call centers. Patients diagnosed with cancer need a lot of information […]
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A Loved One Has Cancer. What do you Say? How can you Help?
“I’m so sorry I haven’t reached out. I just haven’t known what to say…” When someone you care about has […]
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Patient Central Is Here To Help You With Clinical Trials Information
Throughout National Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month, you’ve received a lot of information. We’ve shared firsthand survivor stories, provided […]
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New Guidelines Recommend Palliative Care Early, with Treatment
Patients fighting pancreatic cancer may experience painful and debilitating symptoms and side effects from their disease and treatment. Supportive (palliative) […]
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Join Us to Stay Informed About the Latest Pancreatic Cancer Information
It can be difficult to keep up with all of the new discoveries and information available about pancreatic cancer. Our […]
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