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 1, 2020

We’re going Dry this July – join our team!

The team at Pancare are going Dry this July and we’d love you to join the team! The team at Pancare Foundation are getting on board and going alcohol-free this July. After celebrating the incredible success of our Unite for Hope event (a little bit too much) it’s time to resettle, refocus and refresh ourselves […]

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

Jul 07

Should I wear a face mask? Answering some of your most frequently asked questions.

Should I wear a face mask?

If your immune system is compromised, then there may be some situations where wearing a mask could reduce your risk from COVID-19. This will primarily be in situations where maintaining physical distancing is difficult such as:

When using public transport
In crowded places
During hospital or GP visits where encounters cannot be avoided

May 21

National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap Update

Cancer Australia have highlighted the Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap as a high priority project. They have recently advised that they will be taking an evidence-based approach. Reviewing all aspects of the pancreatic cancer journey to inform a national, strategic pathway to tackling the low-survival rate cancer. The first step of the plan will be community wide consultation.

Apr 30

Personal Financial Hardship During COVID-19 – what payments are available?

We understand that these are uncertain times and that circumstances may have changed for many of you, often these changes have financial implications. We have put together a summary of payments available, and list of helpful links for people that are going through financial hardship during COVID-19.

Apr 28

Georgia Love candle collaboration – just in time for Mother’s Day

Give a gift with meaning this Mother’s Day with these beautiful limited-edition candles by Damselfly, in collaboration with Georgia Love and Pancare Foundation.

100% of profits from the sale of these candles is donated to the Pancare Foundation in support of Australians impacted by Pancreatic and Upper GI cancers.

Mar 16

Important update regarding COVID-19

In the best interest of our loyal supporters, patients, their families, volunteers and partners, we have chosen to take on board the social distancing measures implemented by the Federal Government and will be making changes to upcoming Pancare Foundation events.

Nov 21

Pancare’s Festival of Sports raises over $348,000

On Friday 15 November 2019, Pancare Foundation hosted its 5^th annual Festival of Sports in the Olympic Room at Melbourne’s iconic MCG, raising over $348,000 for the Foundation.

Nov 18

Love always wins – Pancare Ambassador Georgia Love releases jewellery collection

Former Bachelorette, media personality and Pancare Foundation ambassador Georgia Love has teamed up with leading Australian jewellery designer Nicole Fendel to create a capsule jewellery collection to help raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer.

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.

View all Latest News

Proudly Supported By

Thank you for visiting the Pancare website.

We appreciate that these are extraordinary times. While we are now working remotely following direction from the Federal Government, we would like to reassure you that we will continue to operate as normal with new systems in place to allow us to continue to support you.

PATIENT & CARER ENQUIRIES

To speak to our Patient & Carer Support Team or our Telehealth Nurse, please book online via our new call booking system or email support@pancare.org.au and we can help you book a time for your call.

GENERAL & FUNDRAISING ENQUIRIES

For all general, fundraising and donation enquiries please email info@pancare.org.au or support the vital work of the Foundation by making your online donation here.

Please rest assured that we remain dedicated to providing the best possible service to our community during this time. To keep up to date with developments please subscribe to our newsletter or follow any of our social media channels.