News and Stories About patient support

Read heartfelt thank you notes from pancreatic cancer patients and caregivers.

When Elliott was diagnosed, he decided to share his experience to help others.

Dr. Edith Mitchell on what led her to medicine, with a focus on minority communities.

Editor’s note: Today on the blog, caregiver Ulhas Subramaniam shares what he found to be most important and helpful in […]
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“I’ve been an advocate for following the science throughout my journey,” survivor Jeff Eidens says. And PanCAN Patient Services has […]
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A sports quote became the rallying cry for an Ohio teacher and coach fighting pancreatic cancer.

Winter can be one of the most joyful seasons of the year. Hot cocoa, cozy sweaters, family, friends, holidays, celebrations […]
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Timing is everything. And when Chuck Paulausky of Chandler, Ariz., happened to turn on “Jeopardy!” one evening last November and […]
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Editor’s note: October is Health Literacy Month, bringing attention to the importance of making health information and the health system […]
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Editor’s note: Sadly, Frank Land passed away in November 2020. We hope his story will continue to provide hope and […]
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Editor’s note: As the world copes with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, pancreatic cancer patients, survivors and loved ones have additional challenges […]
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The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is uprooting much of our daily lives. For pancreatic cancer patients and their loved ones, […]
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Travel may seem burdensome for those with pancreatic cancer at any time. This summer, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is […]
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Editor’s note: As the world copes with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, pancreatic cancer patients, survivors and loved ones have […]
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There are specific things patients should look for in a treatment center and team.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is causing challenges for pancreatic cancer patients – from delayed appointments and procedures to worries […]
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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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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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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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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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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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Editor’s note: Today kicks off a series of stories celebrating – and remembering – beloved mothers in honor of Mother’s […]
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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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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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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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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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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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When Debbie Liang called the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN) PanCAN Patient Services recently, she was quite anxious. Liang’s husband, […]
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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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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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“Doctors are true heroes!” – Luisa, whose grandmother fought pancreatic cancer National Doctors’ Day, March 30, is a time to […]
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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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Editor’s note: For information about how coronavirus disease (COVID-19) affects pancreatic cancer patients, please see our blogs covering frequently asked questions […]
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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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Editor’s note: Especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, PanCAN Patient Services is available to provide free, in-depth and personalized resources and […]
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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” was the theme for the 2020 Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers Symposium, which took place Jan. 23-25 in San […]
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His wife saved his life. Joe LaRose gives credit for his early pancreatic cancer diagnosis to her – he had […]
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Editor’s note: We are deeply saddened to share that Adam Deal died of pancreatic cancer in December 2020. His advocacy […]
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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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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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His father died of pancreatic cancer in 1974. For decades, Frankie Banali knew that the same disease – of which […]
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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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National Make a Difference Day is the fourth Saturday in October each year and is about taking community service to […]
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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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Today in an interview on “Good Morning America,” beloved “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek announced that he is going back on […]
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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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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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Pancreatic cancer treatments can cause a range of side effects. But communicating with your healthcare team and receiving supportive (palliative) […]
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Pancreatic cancer is complex, which is why many patients are cared for by multidisciplinary teams. A multidisciplinary team brings together […]
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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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“Jeopardy!” show host Alex Trebek, 78, opened up about his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in a CBS News “Sunday Morning” interview […]
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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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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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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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Last week, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) president and CEO, Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA gave the presidential invited lecture at […]
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Getting the proper nutrition by choosing the right foods is an important way for patients with pancreatic cancer to feel […]
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Around Christmas 2016, Karen Kiernan was enjoying the holidays at her family home in Truckee, Calif., when she began to […]
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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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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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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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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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Editor’s note: Our “It Starts with Someone” series chronicles all kinds of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supporters – volunteers, […]
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Elise Tedeschi was shocked when she was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. She was only 42 years old, enjoying […]
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All cancer patients deserve the best care available, but not all can receive it. For some, the problem is financial. […]
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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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Personal stories are powerful and helpful to the pancreatic cancer community. They: 1. Inform “After hearing countless stories of people […]
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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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Taking any trips this holiday season? Beyond the regular hustle and bustle of getting suitcases packed and setting up any […]
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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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Scanxiety – no, it’s not a real word yet, but the fear is real, and it is widely shared among […]
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Many of us are taught from a young age to be independent and take care of things ourselves. But when […]
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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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Many people familiar with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) know about its PanCAN Patient Services Case Managers – the […]
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Not long after Marie Durbin lost her husband to lung cancer, she started having cancer symptoms of her own. Mild, […]
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Pancreatic cancer caregivers can be family members, partners, close friends or anyone helping a loved one who is fighting the […]
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Riding out a hurricane is a difficult feat for anyone living in the affected areas, but living with pancreatic cancer […]
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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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Although pancreatic cancer patients have similar experiences, most are unique. This is especially true when it comes to side effects […]
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We’re sharing a basic overview of clinical trials so you can brush up on your knowledge, get the truth about common misconceptions, […]
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The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) recently interviewed one of our PanCAN Patient Services Case Managers about how pancreatic cancer […]
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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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This summer, Lori and Terri are road tripping to more than 20 national parks across the United States. The trip […]
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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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Getting diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and living with the disease can be confusing and highly emotional. Throughout the journey, support […]
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The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) recently interviewed one of our PanCAN Patient Services Case Managers about what to expect […]
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A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families. But those facing this disease are not alone. […]
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Your doctor diagnosed pancreatic cancer and recommended that treatment begin immediately. What do you do? First, remember that you should […]
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Editor’s note: Our “It Starts with Someone” series chronicles all kinds of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) supporters – volunteers, […]
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Today is National Cancer Survivors Day, a time to recognize survivors worldwide and their caregivers who have supported them throughout […]
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The latest installment in our “Ask PanCAN Patient Services” series addresses self-advocacy, why it’s important and how patients (and caregivers […]
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Many patients develop peripheral neuropathy – often a tingling, burning or numbness.

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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Yes, life changes after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. But experts agree that living each day as normally as you can, […]
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In a recent U.S. News & World Report article, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Chief Medical Officer Victoria Manax, MD, […]
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In the field of healthcare, the term “comprehensive care” refers to the approach of treating the whole patient. Healthcare teams […]
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For newly diagnosed patients and those who have been living with pancreatic cancer, waves of fear, sadness and anger can […]
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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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The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) strives to be the most helpful resource possible for those facing pancreatic cancer and […]
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The 2018 Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers Symposium is taking place in San Francisco, Jan. 18 to 20. The meeting brings together […]
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The holidays often involve travel, which may seem burdensome for those with pancreatic cancer. Though the holidays are synonymous with […]
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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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Receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis can stop a family in their tracks. Not only must patients and their loved ones […]
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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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Pancreatic cancer patients and their loved ones face a wide variety of challenges. While the disease affects everyone differently, some […]
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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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Current events tied to a crisis or the pain and suffering of others can leave many feeling anxious, depressed and […]
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A pancreatic cancer diagnosis and the decisions that come after can feel overwhelming. But getting organized can help patients and […]
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Today we introduce a new series, “Ask PanCAN Patient Services,” in which we pose to our team a common question […]
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The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, a revolutionary cancer care facility in Nebraska, welcomed the PanCAN Omaha Affiliate recently […]
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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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When someone is diagnosed with cancer, battle metaphors often prevail – He is such a fighter! She will win this […]
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Whether it’s hurricanes, storms, wildfires or earthquakes, we’re all vulnerable to the risk – and reality – of natural disasters. […]
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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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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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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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If you have a pet, you know that your furry friend can brighten your mood. Now, research is reaffirming what […]
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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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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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CancerCare recently published survey findings showing the financial impact of cancer. They found that people with cancer – from those […]
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A recent NPR piece highlighted an important topic: cancer call centers. Patients diagnosed with cancer need a lot of information […]
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“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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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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Patients fighting pancreatic cancer may experience painful and debilitating symptoms and side effects from their disease and treatment. Supportive (palliative) […]
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It can be difficult to keep up with all of the new discoveries and information available about pancreatic cancer. Our […]
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