Pancreatic Cancer
Article by Pancreatic Action Cancer Network
Pancreatic cancer is a complex disease, and progress has taken time. While advances for many other cancers have progressed more quickly, improvement in pancreatic cancer survival has been more gradual. It remains the deadliest major cancer and the only one with a five-year survival rate still below 20%. These realities underscore why progress in early detection, more effective treatments, and sustained research investment is so critical to improving outcomes for patients and families.
According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics, 2026, an estimated 67,530 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and 52,740 are expected to die from the disease.
“Pancreatic cancer remains on track to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030, a devastating reality that demands action,” said Anna Berkenblit, MD, MMSc, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Chief Scientific and Medical Officer. “We must accelerate research, expand early detection strategies, and ensure patients have access to innovative therapies. Every delay in action costs lives.”
One of the biggest challenges in pancreatic cancer is that it is not detected early enough. Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed after it has already advanced, when treatment options are limited. That’s why researchers are intensely focused on effective screening strategies to diagnose patients when their cancer is at an earlier stage, which is associated with better outcomes. Promising approaches include blood-based tests that look for specific markers associated with pancreatic cancer, as well as advanced imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed to detect subtle changes that might otherwise be missed. While these tests are still being studied, they represent an important shift of moving from reacting to late-stage disease to identifying pancreatic cancer when treatment may be more effective.
Treatment is also becoming more personalized. Doctors are increasingly using molecular and genetic testing, often called biomarker testing, to learn more about the unique characteristics of an individual’s tumor. Biomarker testing can reveal genetic alterations that may guide treatment decisions.
Clinical trials play an important role. Organizations like PanCAN prioritize helping patients and caregivers understand which clinical trials may be available and appropriate for them. Tools like PanCAN’s Clinical Trial Finder help connect patients and healthcare providers with the most current and comprehensive list of pancreatic cancer trials. PanCAN’s Patient Services team also provides personalized support to help patients explore options, ask informed questions, and feel empowered in their care decisions.
Progress in pancreatic cancer hasn’t happened overnight. It’s the result of years of advocacy, sustained research funding, and collaboration among scientists, clinicians, patients, and advocates. While there is still more work to be done, the momentum is real. Earlier detection strategies, smarter clinical trials, precision medicine, and new treatment combinations are all converging, bringing renewed hope for the future.
Take Action: Join Us at the PanCAN PurpleStride
Kansas City- Do you want to help make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer? Join us for PanCAN PurpleStride Kansas City on April 25 at Grandview Amphitheater, in Grandview, Missouri.
PanCAN PurpleStride is an inspirational day to celebrate survivors, honor those we’ve lost and unite communities nationwide to end pancreatic cancer. Join more than 60,000 people nationwide to support and honor everyone affected by the disease. It’s a family-friendly day filled with fun, hope, and the power of community. Join us by registering for free today at purplestride.org/kansascity.
