News and Stories About patient support
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. […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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) […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
Moments Matter: Karen Kiernan
Around Christmas 2016, Karen Kiernan was enjoying the holidays at her family home in Truckee, Calif., when she began to […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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, […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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. […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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, […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
Tips for Long-distance Caregivers
Even if you live far away from a family member or a close friend with pancreatic cancer, the distance does […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
Clinical Trials 101
It’s that time of year again – back-to-school season. In keeping with the theme, we’re sharing a basic overview of […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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. […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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, […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
Tips for Managing Neuropathy, a Common Treatment Side Effect
Editor’s note: May 5-11 is Neuropathy Awareness Week. Peripheral neuropathy is a common issue pancreatic cancer patients face. Here, we […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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, […]
READ MORE
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, […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
The Power of Positive Thinking
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, battle metaphors often prevail – He is such a fighter! She will win this […]
READ MORE
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. […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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) […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
