Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

A huge thank you to USA Today for sharing #pancreaticcancer survivor and PanCAN volunteer, Steven Merlin's, remarkable story and raising awareness during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. 💜 Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4rnQ2JJ

Happy National Cat Day! 🐈💜🐈‍⬛ Today we’re celebrating our purr-fect companions who bring comfort, cuddles and just a touch of mischief into our lives. We love seeing your furry friends dressed in puuurrrrple for PanCAN!

This National Pumpkin Day, grab your paintbrushes and get creative with the classic fall tradition of pumpkin painting! 🎃🖌️🎨

Make it even more meaningful — turn painting into a fundraiser for PanCAN. 💜 Invite friends and family to donate and join in. Visit pancan.org/diy to start your fundraiser!

A smile can spark hope. 💜🙂 This World Smile Day, we’re smiling for the brighter future we’re building together.

Every patient journey is unique — and so are the moments of strength along the way. We invite you to share your own moment of empowerment in the comments. 💜💬

Wage Hope My Way DIY Fundraising - Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Raise funds to fuel the fight against pancreatic cancer anytime, anywhere, any way.

📲 Fundraise on Social Media – Launch a Facebook or Instagram fundraiser and rally your community to support PanCAN’s mission.

Every gift brings us closer to improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. Visit pancan.org/diy to start your fundraiser today!

🎃 Host Your Own Fundraiser – This October, put a creative spin on giving back! Organize a Halloween costume contest, pumpkin carving party or movie night and make it a fundraiser for PanCAN.

🕯️ Create a Tribute or Memorial Page – Celebrate the life of someone you love by starting a personalized fundraising page in their honor.

Want to make a difference for people facing #pancreaticcancer this October? 💜 There are many meaningful ways you can be a catalyst for change for the pancreatic cancer community:

5 Things to Know about BRCA Mutations and Pancreatic Cancer Learn how “breast cancer genes,” BRCA1 and BRCA2, can impact an individual’s risk of developing pancreatic cancer and influence patients’ treatment options.

In conjunction with 🩷🎗️ Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in preparation for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November, visit pcan.at/u90ugw to learn 5️⃣ important facts about BRCA mutations and how they impact #pancreaticcancer risk as well as influence treatment options.

Did you know that mutations in the “breast cancer genes,” BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase a person’s lifetime risk of developing breast, ovarian AND other cancer types, including pancreatic? 🧬 This can affect both men and women.

We can’t wait to see you for another year of PanCAN PurpleStride, the ultimate walk to end #pancreaticcancer!

We want to see you leading your team at our biggest community event of the year, so register now! 👟

Thank you for registering as a Team Captain — you are a true catalyst for change for patients and their families. 💜

There’s still time to earn a PurpleStride Team Captain bandana! ⏰

Just register as a Team Captain for #PanCANPurpleStride 2026, happening on Saturday, April 25, 2026, and raise or self-donate $50+ by Thursday, October 9, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Estamos aquí para apoyar a pacientes y familias. 💜 Aprenda más ➡️ pancan.org/es

In Willie’s honor, we continue our mission to raise awareness, fund critical research, and support patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer.

Join us in remembering Willie Garson by supporting PanCAN. Together, we can make a difference. 💜

📷: E! News

Off-screen, he was a devoted father, a cherished friend and an advocate for those facing cancer. His passing reminds us of the urgent need for greater awareness and research into pancreatic cancer, a disease often diagnosed at advanced stages.

Willie appeared in over 75 films and 300 television episodes, bringing warmth, humor and authenticity to every character he portrayed.

Today, we remember beloved actor Willie Garson on the anniversary of his passing. Willie lost his life to #pancreaticcancer at the age of 57. Known for his iconic role as Stanford Blatch on "Sex and the City" and its revival "And Just Like That...".

Through her courage and resilience, Justice Ginsburg gave hope to many living with pancreatic cancer. Her legacy reminds us why PanCAN is dedicated to advancing research, improving treatments and giving every patient a chance to thrive. 💜 

Together, we continue the fight she inspired. 

📷: AP News

She later said the experience gave her “an enhanced appreciation for the joys of being alive.” Over the years, she faced multiple cancer diagnoses, including colon and lung cancer, and a recurrence of pancreatic cancer in 2019.

Today, we remember U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away five years ago due to complications from #pancreaticcancer.

First diagnosed in 2009, Justice Ginsburg underwent surgery to remove part of her pancreas and her spleen.

In our new series, Taboo Topics, PanCAN Associate Director of Patient Services, Research and Education Alejandra Alvarez talks more about the cancer ghosting phenomenon and why it can happen. She also offers suggestions for ways to cope with the emotional impact ➡️ pcan.at/o8i0ys

But sometimes a friend, acquaintance or family member who was present in a person’s life before a cancer diagnosis, disappears without explanation, leaving feelings of sadness and anxiety for the person facing cancer. There’s a term for this behavior: cancer ghosting. 👻

A diagnosis of #pancreaticcancer can be challenging to navigate — when loved ones step in to provide help in ways large and small it can be a welcome relief. 💜

This year, more than 67,000 Americans will hear the words “you have pancreatic cancer.” In honor of Gov. Edgar — and in recognition of all those diagnosed — we remain steadfast in our mission to advance research, build community, share knowledge and advocate for everyone affected by this disease.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Brenda, his children and all who loved and admired him. His unwavering commitment to public service will not be forgotten.

Governor Edgar publicly shared his diagnosis earlier this year. His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of this disease — and the urgent need for research, early detection and improved treatments.

We’re saddened to acknowledge the loss of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, who passed away on September 14 at age 79 from complications related to treatment for #pancreaticcancer. 💜

📷: Jim Edgar

Cancer research is not a line item. It’s a lifeline. ZERO Prostate cancer, @fightcrc.bsky.social @lungevity.bsky.social @pancan.bsky.social, AACI_Cancer + @susangkomen.bsky.social join forces to urge sustained federal funding that fuels progress + saves lives. Read more: conta.cc/3HRf2ab