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

3,123

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Pancreatic
Cancer in 2017

UP TO

2,823

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Pancreatic
Cancer in 2017

ONLY A

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

1,840

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Liver
Cancer in 2017

UP TO

1,805

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Liver
Cancer in 2017

ONLY A

16%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

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

Fighting Liver Cancer

APPROXIMATELY

625*

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Biliary
Cancer in 2017

UP TO

500*

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Biliary Cancer in 2017

ONLY A

20%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

* Estimation based on survival rate from 2007 (AIHW)

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

2,330

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Stomach Cancer in 2017

UP TO

1,100

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Stomach Cancer in 2017

ONLY A

27%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

Adenocarcinomas are the most common stomach cancers.

Fighting Stomach Cancer

APPROXIMATELY

1,300

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer in 2017

UP TO

1,092*

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Oesophageal Cancer in 2017

ONLY A

16%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

*Estimation based on survival rate from 2007 (AIHW)

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 21, 2017

July Patient Support Group

We will be joined by Rebecca Dimovitis, who is a registered nurse, with a background in surgical nursing. She is also the Coordinator of the Familial Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program.

July 25, 2017

SA Patient Support Group

We are excited to announce that we will be holding our very first information session for a Patient Support Group for people affected by pancreatic cancer in South Australia!

August 12, 2017

Splash of Purple Ladies Lunch

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

June 1, 2017

ONJ Centre June/July Calendar

The ONJ Centre, Wellness and Supportive Care team would like to present the June – July Calendar 2017. To register for any programs, please contact the centre by emailing wellness@austin.org.au or calling 9496 3799 if any queries.

August 27, 2017

Sandy Point Half Marathon

Looking to challenge yourself this winter? Well you’re in luck!

August 18, 2017

August Patient Support Group

We will be joined by Laura Evans-McKendry, a lawyer from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers who will discuss finances, Wills and power of attorney.

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.

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.

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”.

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

Jun 05

Ritchies: Where the Community Benefits

When shopping at Ritchies and by using a community benefit card linked to Pancare Foundation, Ritchies will donate money back to the foundation.

May 29

Diet for Pancreatic Health

A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can bring unexpected changes to the body, as well as our diet. Clinical Dietitian & Credentialed Diabetes Educator, Sophie Skalkos joined us at our May patient support group to discuss how to maintain a healthy diet as well as a list of foods to nourish your pancreas.

May 19

Festival of Fashion

On Saturday 13th May, 2017 the Pancare Foundation held the Festival of Fashion in the exclusive Committee Room at Caulfield Racecourse

May 16

Coming up at the ONJ Centre

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre would like to present what’s coming up on their calendar.

Apr 20

Pancreatic Cancer Webinar

In collaboration with Pancare Foundation, Cancer Council Victoria have produced an online webinar for people affected by pancreatic cancer.

Apr 03

First subject recruited for Global Pancreatic Clinical Study Programme

OncoSil Medical, a medical device company focused on localised treatments for patients with pancreatic and liver cancer, is pleased to announce that Monash Health has recruited the first subject for its global clinical study program in pancreatic cancer.

Mar 08

Free webinar will help navigate the journey of pancreatic cancer

People affected by pancreatic cancer can join a free webinar Pancreatic cancer – navigating the journey on Tuesday 28 March 2017, from anywhere across Australia.

Feb 27

Pancare facilitates research that could hold the key to improving survival in pancreatic cancer patients

Significant funding provided by the Pancare Foundation has led to finding an important piece of the puzzle that is pancreatic cancer.

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