The ACS statistics released today show an increase in the 5-year survival rate for all stages, revealing it to be 12% for the first time ever. The 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer survivors remained in the single digits for far too long but for the first time since 2017, we’ve seen survival rates increase two years in a row. Thanks to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Annual Cancer Facts & Figures Report, we’re beginning to witness a shift. The results demonstrate something our Founder, Agi Hirshberg, has shared time and again, “Never Give Up: The journey continues but an end is in sight.”
As the first Foundation to ever fund pancreatic cancer research, we offer a positive and hopeful message rather than focusing on statistics. There is value in understanding this important data, however, we’ve also seen survivors beat the odds and that is equally important to keep patients and families hopeful. As part of our Patient Support Programs, our 2021 webinar, Celebrate and Learn from 10, 20 and 30-year Survivors of Pancreatic Cancer, proved to be an extraordinary learning experience as these survivors, who continue to thrive today, shared their unique and personal journeys.
On the research front, Executive Director, Lisa Manheim, shares, “We have the brightest in the world focusing on the disease and the change in these statistics reflects all of our hard work as a community. Witnessing this change in the statistics will hopefully be gratifying for our supporters who continue to fight for a cure and our patients who deserve to live a long and healthy life.” Our recent funding of 8 new Seed Grants continues to drive research and advance our understanding of this disease. With projects focused on therapy and immunotherapy, early detection, and cancer biology, our teams of researchers in leading medical institutions are striving to improve patient outcomes. Learn more about these Seed Grant projects in the most recent edition of our Momentum Newsletter.
Pancreatic cancer remains the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the ACS Facts & Figures report shows us that an estimated 64,050 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, an increase of nearly 3% since 2022. However, there is hope and we are a community that Never Gives Up. It is important for each of us to take action today. Make 2023 the year to establish a personal cancer prevention plan by learning the risk factors. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, contact us today.
While the ACS report confirms that we are headed in the right direction, it reaffirms the critical need for our work to continue. As this new data is reviewed, we encourage you to be proactive and utilize the many resources available to our community. Read more on the ACS report →
Resources for Patients, Preventions, and Education
One-on-One Support
Patient & Family Webinars
Genetic Testing
Clinical Trials