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

3,933

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with pancreatic
cancer in 2020

UP TO

3,300

MEN & WOMEN

will die from pancreatic
cancer in 2020

ONLY A

10.7%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Cancer in Australia 2020

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

2,622

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Liver
Cancer in 2020

UP TO

2,297

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Liver
Cancer in 2020

ONLY A

20%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Cancer in Australia 2020

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

Fighting Liver Cancer

APPROXIMATELY

1,179

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Biliary
Cancer in 2020

UP TO

294

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Biliary Cancer in 2020

ONLY A

20%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Cancer in Australia 2020

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

2,246

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Stomach Cancer in 2020

UP TO

1,140

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Stomach Cancer in 2020

ONLY A

31.2%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Cancer in Australia 2020

Adenocarcinomas are the most common stomach cancers.

Fighting Stomach Cancer

APPROXIMATELY

1,587

MEN & WOMEN

will be diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer in 2020

UP TO

1,351

MEN & WOMEN

will die from Oesophageal Cancer in 2020

ONLY A

22.1%

CHANCE

of surviving past 5 years

Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Cancer in Australia 2020

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.

February 4, 2021

PanSupport Online Support Groups – Returning Thursday 4th February

Our PanSupport Online Support Groups have concluded for 2020, thank you all who attended. Our next Online Support Group will take place on Thursday 4th February, 2021 at 11am. This session will be a peer-to-peer session, providing a safe and caring forum in which to share your experiences and stories with other people who are […]

February 23, 2021

Living Well Series Webinar – Exercise and upper GI cancer – the importance of keeping active

Pancare proudly presents our upcoming Living Well Series webinar, ‘Exercise and upper GI cancer – the importance of keeping active’. The Living Well Series is an informative, online series which seeks to enhance the daily health and wellbeing of patients and their carers, living with an upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer.

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

NBL helping change the game for upper GI cancers

Jan 13

How the NBL is helping to change the game for upper GI cancers

The Hungry Jack’s NBL is pleased to partner with the Pancare Foundation to raise awareness for the need for greater support and funding for pancreatic and other upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers through the Change the Game campaign.

The opening round of the 2020/21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season will be dedicated to putting a spotlight on raising awareness and support for upper gastrointestinal cancers.

Dec 16

Coping with cancer over the holidays

For those impacted by cancer, experiences of the festive season can induce a range of feelings. Some people will enjoy a time of celebration, for others it may be a difficult time of stress and feelings of pressure and grief. We have put together a list of suggestions that may help make the season less stressful.

A message of thanks from Doug Hawkins Pancare CEO

Dec 11

A message of thanks from our CEO, Doug Hawkins

For Australians, 2020 will perhaps be remembered as one of the most demanding and difficult years in recent history.

The COVID pandemic that has changed our lives in many ways, has created exceptional challenges for families impacted by pancreatic and upper gastrointestinal cancers. A difficult path to diagnosis; cancellation of surgery; delays in treatment; separation of families and support networks; and the loss of loved ones from these unrelenting diseases. It is no surprise that we have seen a greater demand in our support for patients than ever before.

Pancare Foundation Closing Hours over Christmas

Dec 09

PanSupport holiday closure and hours over Christmas

As we head into the holiday season we want you to know that we realise that the holidays can be a difficult time for many people, especially those impacted by an upper GI cancer. While our PanSupport team will be taking some much-needed time off over the holiday period, please know that support is still available during this time for any crises or emergencies that may arise.

Oct 27

Floorworld in partnership with Pancare Foundation – laying the foundations for impacting the cause

Pancare Foundation are thrilled to announce a new, national partnership with speciality flooring retailer Floorworld, to take on Australia’s toughest cancers – upper gastrointestinal cancers.

This November marks the launch of the dedicated campaign during pancreatic and stomach cancer awareness months, which will see the 42 national Floorworld stores and around 300 staff go purple to raise funds and awareness for Pancare Foundation. As part of the campaign, Floorworld have also mobilised the support of six of their leading flooring suppliers.

Oct 26

Ads on Wheels and Grow Business Group in partnership with Pancare Foundation – a driving force for change

Pancare Foundation are thrilled to welcome new corporate partners, the dynamic duo of Ads on Wheels and Grow Business Group, in the fight against upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

Oct 16

World-first Funding for New Liver Cancer Therapy

Pancare Foundation welcomes the news that a new combination therapy for liver cancer will be added to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from November 1, 2020.

As part of the Federal Budget, the government is investing $230 million in new therapies for liver cancer.

Sep 08

National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap Community Consultation Now Open

It’s time to have your say.

Community consultation on the development of the National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap now open

This week Cancer Australia unveiled the dedicated consultation hub inviting members of the public, in addition to health professional and consumer organisations, such as Pancare Foundation, to have their say on the development of the National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap.

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.