Program areas at PCAN
Research grants and clinical initiatives - pancan's research grants and clinical initiatives are changing the landscape of Pancreatic Cancer research. The research grants department administers a competitive grants program, awarding the most meritorious research projects with a focus on those that advance our clinical initiatives, to the brightest scientists, to translate the best research into the clinic. To date the grants program has funded 184 grants, totaling over $52m in funding, which was distributed to 179 scientists at 70 institutions around the country. Groundbreaking initiatives like our "know your tumor" precision medicine service, and precision promise, an innovative clinical trial platform for patients with Pancreatic Cancer, play a pivotal role in changing outcomes for patients. In addition, agreements for the precision promise program and support for other priority clinical initiatives totaled about $1.5m and have been included in research for this fiscal year.
Patient services (patient central) - patient central is a comprehensive service providing immediate and free information and education about Pancreatic Cancer, diagnosis, treatment options, clinical trials, diet and nutrition, specialists and support resources to help them make informed decisions with their healthcare team. We have the largest, most up-to-date clinical trials database in the country and provide patients with personalized clinical trial searches so that they understand all of their treatment options. Our patient central staff - made up of expert, understanding, compassionate people - shares more resources and speaks with more Pancreatic Cancer patients than any other Cancer organization in the world. Our patient registry, an active database of patient information, was developed to help advance research and improve care for patients battling Pancreatic Cancer.
Government affairs and advocacy - we drive legislative support for increased federal research funding - critical because approximately 80 percent of all Pancreatic Cancer research funding comes from the federal government. We led the fight to pass the recalcitrant Cancer research act in congress, making Pancreatic Cancer a national priority, and establishing a scientific framework to research the disease. Our grassroots Network and advocacy efforts on capitol hill led to the creation of the first ever dedicated Pancreatic Cancer research program at the dod which allows congress to direct focused funding to Pancreatic Cancer research. Along with our supporters, we have created a grassroots movement - telling our stories to congress in an effort to raise more awareness about Pancreatic Cancer, and in turn, the critical need for more research funding. As of 2017, nci funding for Pancreatic Cancer research had increased to more than $177 million.
Community engagement - with 61 affiliates and a volunteer corps of more than 4,300 people, we raise funds and national awareness of the disease through our purplestride run/walk events in communities nationwide. Over 61,384 participants have attended our signature events this past year. Our grassroots efforts harness the passion, power and energy of dedicated volunteers - many of whom have lost loved ones to the disease and are committed to fighting back. Our advocacy efforts have also resulted in a global movement - we played a lead role in the creation of the world Pancreatic Cancer coalition which is composed of more than 90 Pancreatic Cancer patient groups from more than 30 countries on 6 continents. The coalition has two major initiatives - a global day of awareness that takes place on the third thursday of november, Pancreatic Cancer awareness month, and an annual face-to-face meeting for coalition members to Network, share experiences and best practices. The annual face-to-face meeting was not held due to covid-19 pandemic. Instead a series of virtual meetings and webinars were hosted to maintain momentum and collaboration.