Australia’s Pancreatic Cancer Organisation

Pancare Foundation is Australia’s not-for-profit pancreatic cancer organisation. Our purpose is to increase survival and provide support to people affected by pancreatic cancer and other upper gastrointestinal cancers.

With one of the lowest survival rates of all major cancers, pancreatic cancer statistics have not changed significantly in over 40 years, but you can make a difference. Make a donation so we can continue funding vital research, or learn about the symptoms and causes of pancreatic cancer to reduce your risk. If you’re directly affected by pancreatic cancer, we are here to support you. Join a local support group to connect with other cancer fighters, or explore our resources for detailed information about your diagnosis and treatment options.

It’s time for us to make a change, join us in the fight against pancreatic cancer today.

Pancreatic Cancer
Liver Cancer
Biliary Cancer
Stomach Cancer
Oesophageal Cancer

APPROXIMATELY

3,599

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with pancreatic
cancer in 2019

UP TO

3,051

MEN & WOMEN

will die from pancreatic
cancer in 2019

ONLY A

9.8%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

The pancreas is a gland of the digestive system. It is joined to the small bowel by a duct.

Download the Handbook

Fighting Pancreatic Cancer

APPROXIMATELY

2,599

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Liver
Cancer in 2019

UP TO

2,161

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Liver
Cancer in 2019

ONLY A

19%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Cancer in Australia 2019

Primary liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells within the liver grow in an uncontrolled way.

Fighting Liver Cancer

APPROXIMATELY

965

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Biliary
Cancer in 2019

UP TO

298

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Biliary Cancer in 2019

ONLY A

20%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Cancer in Australia 2019

Biliary cancer, also known as bile duct cancer and gallbladder cancer are generally aggressive cancers and arises from the cells within the bile ducts.

Fighting Biliary Cancer

APPROXIMATELY

2,462

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Stomach Cancer in 2019

UP TO

1,287

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Stomach Cancer in 2019

ONLY A

30%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Cancer in Australia 2019

Adenocarcinomas are the most common stomach cancers.

Fighting Stomach Cancer

APPROXIMATELY

1,687

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer in 2019

UP TO

1,470

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Oesophageal Cancer in 2019

ONLY A

22%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Cancer in Australia 2019

Adenocarcinoma occurs in glandular tissue, most often in the lower part of the oesophagus near the stomach.

Fighting Oesophageal Cancer

Upcoming Events

The Pancare Foundation holds regular fundraising and networking events throughout the year. We also help promote events coordinated by independent parties, where proceeds are directed to Pancare. Check out our latest events below.

July 27, 2019

Splash of Purple Ladies Lunch 2019

In support of Pancare Foundation, please join 4Women4Pancare for a fabulous ladies lunch with auction, prizes, entertainment and much more.

August 31, 2019

Support4Pancare Trivia Night

Join Support4Pancare in a fun night of trivia in support of Pancare Foundation

March 15, 2019

Pancare’s Great Wall Trek 2019

Join Pancare’s Great Wall Trek 2019 and you’ll trek the Great Wall of China in an effort to raise funds to improve pancreatic cancer treatments.

Our Stories

Read stories from our patients and supporters from across Australia. If you would like to share your story please use our contact form.

Don Wright

Making exercise a priority during treatment helped Don overcome the odds.
Don’s daughter, Amanda, shares their story.

Peter Radke

The Radke family have endured dual heartache after losing two beloved family members to pancreatic cancer within a matter of months.
Based on their experiences they share a simple message – if something doesn’t feel right, listen to your body and seek a second opinion.

Leah Maher

“I still remember is was a Friday night in July when my Dad rang me. He rang to say he had Pancreatic Cancer and secondary Liver Cancer. His words were “it’s not good”. I assured him things will be fine”.

John Kastelan

John passed away in March 2017, after a 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer. One of his biggest goals was to be able to walk his eldest daughter, Yvette down the aisle. John’s daughter, Melanie shares his story with us.

Patrick Deehan

After a long battle with a rare cancer, Patrick Deehan was told he had 2-3 months to live. He shares his story.

John Rowe

John Rowe was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma Cancer of the Bile Duct after visiting his GP for heartburn pain. He knew something was wrong, but would never have guessed it would change his life forever.

Graham Wells

In February 2015, Graham was told that he might have as little as three months to live. After getting a second opinion and undergoing surgery to remove the head of his pancreas, Graham spent four weeks recovering and was back working, initially part time and then full time and trying to live an active, healthy lifestyle. He feels is of the lucky ones.

Ron Gibson

Ron Gibson and his family live in regional Victoria in a small town, Ararat. Ararat appears to have all the services you need, but like most regional cities in Australia, the range of services is often limited and patients and their families are forced to travel long distances.

Grace King

Grace King is a 53 year old mother of two from Fawkner, Victoria. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2014. With the assistance of Pancare, she hopes to increase awareness of this horrible disease.

Latest News

Aug 06

Why getting the right support matters

Coming to terms with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and making decisions on surgery, treatment options and managing symptoms all while processing the emotional impact can be overwhelming for many patients and their families. Discover how our Living with Pancreatic Cancer Support Day pilot helped give patients confidence.

Aug 06

Bowls Victoria announces charity partnership with Pancare Foundation

Pancare Foundation has been a familiar name within the bowling community when one of their own, the late Chris O’Meagher, brought the work of the Foundation to the forefront during his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Apr 16

Pancare announces new telehealth pancreatic cancer nurse service

Pancare Foundation have announced a three year pilot together with the Centre for Community-Driven Research, to support patients, carers and families living with pancreatic cancer through a dedicated telehealth service.

Apr 05

OncoSil Clinical Trial Update April 2018

Australian medical device company OncoSil Medical has been actively progressing their global clinical trial, PanCO, which is testing the efficacy of the Company’s OncoSil^TM device in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer that cannot be treated with surgery.

Feb 05

TLS – Online security update

Online security update

We wanted to bring to your attention some important security changes that are happening across the computer industry. These changes will affect how you use the internet, how your computer connects to us, and how you engage with us and our mission.

Jan 23

World Cancer Day – February 4 2018

World Cancer Day 4th February

This World Cancer Day we’re joining the call and inviting everyone to be at the center of World Cancer Day and participate in the ‘Signs for Change’ activity.

Jan 11

Call for funding applications now open

Pancare funds clinical research across the country, with the aim of improving the outcome for anyone affected by pancreatic, liver, biliary, oesophageal and stomach cancer. We provide scholarships, awards and major project grants to talented researchers so they can continue their work.

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