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.

August 20 Event Online Patient Support Group

August 20, 2020

Upcoming Pancreatic Cancer Patient Support Group

Our upcoming Online Pancreatic Cancer Patient Support Group will take place on Thursday 20th August from 11am – 12.30pm (AEST). Our guest speaker this session will be Garvan Institute Clinical Research Coordinator, Tanya Dwarte. Tanya will be talking about the Pancreatic Cancer Familial Screening Program.

August 15, 2020

Loungeroom Lockdown Online Trivia Event

Pancare Foundation and Soundstorm Trivia proudly present Loungeroom Lockdown Online Trivia Night – Pancare’s first online trivia fundraiser! Join us locked down Victorian’s for a night of lighthearted lockdown relief – connect with family and friends over a few rounds of trivia while raising funds to help support people impacted by pancreatic and other upper […]

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 10

Latest data provides hope for Upper GI cancers with increases in 5-year survival rates

Latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) confirms that the incidence of upper gastrointestinal cancers in Australia are on the rise. While these figures are concerning, there is hope for those diagnosed, with the five-year survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients now hitting double digits for the first time at 10.7%.

Jul 20

Accelerating Change – Cancer Outcomes in Regional Australia

In 2019 over 11,000 Australians were diagnosed with an upper GI cancer and over 8,000 Australians died from an upper GI cancer. Around half of all cancer deaths are due to rare and less common cancers including cancers supported by Pancare.

Jul 17

Pancreatic Cancer Patient Support Groups Now Online

In response to COVID-19 restrictions, we have taken our Patient Support Groups online to ensure that we are still able to provide support to our community.

Jul 13

National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap Update

We are pleased to announce that Cancer Australia have now commenced development of the National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap to improve outcomes and survival for people with pancreatic cancer in Australia. The Roadmap will identify key priority areas for action over the next five years across the continuum of pancreatic cancer care and pancreatic cancer research. Cancer Australia will be seeking broad public consultation and collaborate with key stakeholders, including consumers, and build on the efforts and expertise of the non-government sector in the development of the Roadmap.

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

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.

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.