Michigan - Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

We’ve seen a momentous advance this year — FDA approval of a treatment targeting the mutations that drive more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. And right now, more drugs are in the pipeline than ever before, signaling a new generation of therapies poised to transform what’s possible. It’s time to move faster and push science to reach every patient who needs it. 💜 Visit 🔗 pancan.org/awareness to join the movement.

This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, we're coming together to change the story of pancreatic cancer. 💜 Through breakthrough research, patient support, advocacy and the power of our community, PanCAN is driving progress and bringing hope to everyone affected by this disease. Behind every breakthrough is a community of survivors, families, researchers, advocates and supporters who believe a better future is possible. Together, we're working toward earlier detection, better treatments and a world where survival is the expectation, not the exception. The progress we've made is only the beginning. There's more to do, and it will take all of us, together. All together, we can turn science into survival. Visit 🔗 pancan.org/awareness to learn more and get involved.

On the latest episode of PancChat, host @AlisynCamerota is joined by Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes of @DukeHealth to discuss managing pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, also known as PNETs. Visit 🔗 pcan.at/PancChat to listen. The PancChat podcast is a collaboration between @LetsWinPC and PanCAN, and this episode is sponsored by @RevMedicines. 💜

On World Pancreatic Cancer Day, join PanCAN for a Right Track Live virtual event focused on helping patients, caregivers and loved ones better understand early detection for pancreatic cancer. PanCAN Chief Scientific and Medical Officer @ABerkenblit, MD, MMSc, will host a panel of special guests: 🔎 Avinash Kambadakone, MD Radiologist, Chief, Abdominal Radiology, Mass General Brigham 🔎 Bechien Wu, MD, MPH Gastroenterologist, Physician Director, Division of Clinical Research, Kaiser Permanente 🔎 Nipun Merchant, MD (@NbmerchantMD) Surgeon, Vice Chair of Surgical Oncologic Services, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine 🔎 Diane Simeone, MD (@MadameSurgeon) Surgeon, Director, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health Visit 🔗 pcan.at/RightTrackLive to save your virtual seat today!

We are saddened to acknowledge the passing of actress Susan Saint James, who died of pancreatic cancer at age 80. She was best known for her roles in the television series "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie." In 2026, an estimated 67,530 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and approximately 52,740 will die from the disease. Learn more about pancreatic cancer and how PanCAN is working to accelerate progress toward better outcomes for patients at 🔗 pancan.org. 📷: AP News

At a time of extraordinary progress in pancreatic cancer research and treatment, we’re grateful for the support of our PanCAN Scientific & Medical Affairs Industry Champions, including our newest Champions: @ClearNoteHealth, @Immunovia, Tango Therapeutics and returning Champions @AstellasUS and Ipsen. Together, we’re turning science into survival. 💜

There are several risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Could you be at higher risk? Take the test to learn more and get next steps. 💜 pancan.org/facing-pancreatic…

Today, we remember Days of our Lives actor Drake Hogestyn, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2024 — just one day before his 71st birthday. His legacy lives on through his family and @DaysPeacock castmates, who come together at #PanCANPurpleStride, our biggest community event of the year, in his memory. In 2025, cast members formed Team Hogey’s Home Runners to honor their friend and co-star, returning again in 2026 to take steps to end pancreatic cancer. 💜 In 2026, an estimated 67,530 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and approximately 52,740 will die from the disease. Learn more about pancreatic cancer and how we’re turning science into survival at 🔗 pancan.org. 📷: AoL

On this episode of PancChat, host @AlisynCamerota is joined by Dr. Eileen O’Reilly of @MSKCancerCenter to discuss what the recent approval of RASONQUE™ (daraxonrasib) means for people with pancreatic cancer. 💊 Dr. O’Reilly breaks down RAS signaling, common RAS mutations including G12D, G12V and G12R, how RAS-targeting drugs work, what RAS mutation testing involves and what “RAS wild type” means. Visit 🔗 pcan.at/PancChat to listen. The PancChat podcast is a collaboration between @LetsWinPC and PanCAN, and this episode is sponsored by @RevMedicines.

PanCAN President and CEO Julie Fleshman shares: "Last week was PanCAN’s annual Scientific Summit in San Diego ahead of #AACRpanc26, and I left feeling inspired by how far this field has come and energized by what lies ahead. The Summit brought together leading researchers, clinicians, industry partners, survivors and donors at a remarkable moment for pancreatic cancer. Following the approval of RASONQUE (daraxonrasib), there was a real sense of possibility in the room — from advances in RAS-targeted treatments to new approaches to earlier detection and the potential of health data. What made the experience especially meaningful to me was seeing PanCAN’s impact throughout the Summit. Researchers whose work we have funded shared their latest progress, our Research Recovery Grantees demonstrated the importance of sustaining critical science and nine emerging scientists joined us through PanCAN travel scholarships. These investments are helping build a thriving field — a core part of PanCAN’s mission and our role as a leader in accelerating progress. I’m proud of what we are helping make possible and deeply grateful to everyone who is contributing to this work. Together, we are truly turning science into survival." Stay tuned for key takeaways from the 2026 PanCAN Scientific Summit, shared by PanCAN Chief Scientific and Medical Officer Dr. Anna Berkenblit, coming in October. 🔬

Join PanCAN Chief Scientific and Medical Officer Anna Berkenblit, MD, MMSc, for a Right Track Live virtual event focused on helping patients, caregivers and loved ones better understand pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (also known as PNETs) and what recent advances mean for those affected by the disease. We will bring together leading PNET experts to share the latest information, answer common questions and provide practical insights into diagnosis, treatment and ongoing research. You’ll learn more about: 💜 How PNETs differ from the most common type of pancreatic cancer, including how they develop and why care often requires a specialized treatment approach. ⚠️ Common signs and symptoms that are unique to PNETs, including symptoms related to hormone changes that may be overlooked. 💊 Current treatment approaches and what patients should know about available targeted therapies and clinical trials. 🔬 Advances in PNET research and what it means for patients, including how to prepare for informed conversations with healthcare providers about treatment options and goals of care. Save your seat at 🔗 pcan.at/RightTrackLive.

We are pleased to announce @Aiims1742 Maitra, MD, from @NYUGrossman School of Medicine, as a 2026 PanCAN grant recipient, made possible by generous support from PanCAN donors. 🔬 Dr. Maitra will lead a research project titled "Suppression of IL-1beta and PD-1 in advanced pancreatic cancer patients." This grant is in memory of Skip Viragh. Read more about Dr. Maitra’s project at 🔗 pcan.at/bs58394r.

Happy first day of fall, PanCAN community. 💜

Almost 1 in 4 people diagnosed with #pancreaticcancer are also diagnosed with diabetes. 🩸 In this episode of PancChat, host @AlisynCamerota talks with Dr. Suresh Chari of @UTMDAnderson about the complex connection between diabetes and pancreatic cancer — including why new-onset diabetes, unexplained weight loss and rising blood sugar may be important warning signs. Dr. Chari also shares updates on research and clinical trials, including AI-assisted imaging, focused on detecting pancreatic cancer earlier. Listen to the episode at 🔗 pcan.at/PancChat The PancChat podcast is a collaboration between @LetsWinPC and PanCAN, and this episode is sponsored by @RevMedicines.

Diabetes and pancreatic cancer are closely connected. About half of people with #pancreaticcancer have diabetes at diagnosis, and many more experience blood sugar changes before, during or after treatment. 🩸 In the latest PancChat episode, host @AlisynCamerota talks with endocrinologist @AfreenShariffMD about managing diabetes during and after pancreatic cancer treatment — and how surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can affect blood sugar. Listen to the episode at 🔗 pcan.at/PancChat. The PancChat podcast is a collaboration between @LetsWinPC and @PanCAN, and this episode is sponsored by @RevMedicines.

Gary P. shares, "Three years ago I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. My oncologist and surgeon told me I had less than a month left to live unless I started chemotherapy immediately followed by a Whipple procedure to remove my pancreas and the tumor. I made peace with myself knowing I had lived a good life. I was incredibly sad that I was not going to be able to climb in my beloved mountains any longer and made a promise to myself that I would fight hard if I survived so that I would be able to get back to them. I survived chemo and the operation, and over the last couple of years slowly gained some strength back and was able to get out and get in a few easy routes. Baby steps for sure, but with each pitch I gained the desire to get back to the bigger mountains and revisit some loved classics. Three weeks ago I decided that I was going to go for it and booked a flight to Chamonix. Today I was able to get out and get high, and it filled my soul to the brim. I spent a bit of time crying, which puzzled more than one of the tourists. All I can say is that once a climber, always a climber and to never stop dreaming and striving. It feels good to vent and tell a story and hopefully others in my same predicament will find ways to stay out there." Join us in the comments to celebrate Gary and the hope he carries forward. 💜

What’s next in the fight against pancreatic cancer? From promising new drug targets to the latest advances in RAS-targeting therapies, Dr. Anna Berkenblit shares her takeaways from AACR Drug Discovery and Development Conference in this month's Research Spotlight. 🔬 Learn more about the research that could help accelerate better treatments for patients at 🔗 pcan.at/tci770ys.

Pain from pancreatic cancer can result from both the disease itself and its treatments. Patients may experience multiple types of pain simultaneously, depending on the cancer's location, stage and treatment approach. Visit 🔗 pcan.at/pain for resources on understanding pancreatic cancer pain, talking with your doctor about pain, supportive care, pain medicines, medical procedures and other approaches to help manage pain.