MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC), a global alliance in the fight against pancreatic cancer, will convene for its second meeting in Montreal May 2 – 4. More than 40 pancreatic cancer organizations representing 20 countries are expected to attend. The coalition unites over 60 pancreatic cancer organizations and advocacy groups from around the world who collaborate for the collective good of all people affected by pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is the seventh most common cause of cancer-related death in men and women combined worldwide.1 Only two to 10 percent of those diagnosed survive five years.2
“Our goal is to unite worldwide in the fight against pancreatic cancer,” said Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, chair of the WPCC and president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). “By working together, we will continue to raise the global visibility of pancreatic cancer with the ultimate goal to improve outcomes for patients.”
The two-day meeting allows representatives to share fundraising, media outreach and advocacy best practices, while hearing the latest updates from members of the scientific community, as well as pancreatic cancer survivors.
“As an 8 year survivor of pancreatic cancer, I have watched our advocacy efforts grow from a tiny initiative started by three volunteers to a robust national organization with worldwide reach and connections,” said Libby Znaimer, a board member with Pancreatic Cancer Canada. “We must work together to tackle this terrible disease and are delighted to host this year’s global meeting, which will underscore the importance of giving priority to pancreatic cancer.”
The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition oversees World Pancreatic Cancer Day (WPCD), which is observed around the globe each November during pancreatic cancer awareness month.
World Pancreatic Cancer Day aims to raise critical global awareness of the disease, because with more research funding and more people taking action, pancreatic cancer survival rates can and will, improve. This year, WPCD will be held on Thursday, November 16.
The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition has the generous support of founding sponsor Celgene Corporation, as well as corporate sponsors Shire and Halozyme, Inc.
For additional information on pancreatic cancer, the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition and its members, please visit worldpancreaticcancercoalition.org.
Follow the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition
The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition is an international group of pancreatic cancer patient advocacy groups with a mission to drive transformational change for all those affected by the disease. Through global collaboration, the coalition raises awareness of pancreatic cancer by strengthening the efforts of participating member organizations. Each November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, coalition members unite on World Pancreatic Cancer Day to draw attention to pancreatic cancer and highlight the need for greater awareness, funding and research.
Sources
- Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Ervik M, Dikshit R, Eser S, Mathers C, Rebelo M, Parkin DM, Forman D, Bray, F. GLOBOCAN 2012 v1.0, Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide: IARC CancerBase No. 11 [Internet]. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2013. Available from: http://globocan.iarc.fr , accessed on 04/12/17.
- American Cancer Society. Global Cancer Facts & Figures 2nd Edition. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2011.
