Global progress with a local purpose for pancreatic cancer
We often speak about the global effort to change outcomes for pancreatic cancer. This week, those words feel especially real.
Across the United States and the United Kingdom, the pancreatic cancer community has reached historic milestones. These achievements signal meaningful progress. Progress that will extend beyond borders and ultimately benefit people affected by pancreatic cancer here in Australia.
Honouring global leadership
We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation to PanCAN in the United States and Pancreatic Cancer UK (PCUK). Their persistence, and sustained advocacy have delivered two of the most significant policy milestones in recent years.
In the United States, PanCAN, led by Julie Fleshman, navigated a period of unprecedented uncertainty to secure major increases in federal funding. This includes the reinstatement and record level investment in the Pancreatic Cancer Research Programme (PCARP), alongside the passage of the Medicare Multi Cancer Early Detection Act.
In the United Kingdom, Diana Jupp and the PCUK team have helped shape a new National Cancer Plan that directly addresses the inequities faced by less survivable cancers. With a clear ambition to double five year survival rates and introduce new clinical standards, the plan provides a powerful blueprint for long term, system wide change.
Why progress in the United States matters here in Australia
The reality of medical research is complex. A significant proportion of the world’s pancreatic cancer research activity is concentrated in the United States. While we remain strong advocates for Australian-led research, we also recognise that stable and sustained US federal investment plays a critical role in driving global progress.
When the US commits to increased funding through institutions such as the NIH and NCI, it helps keep the global research pipeline moving. Discoveries made in laboratories in Baltimore or California today can become the clinical trials and potentially life saving treatments available to Australians tomorrow.
Progress anywhere strengthens progress everywhere, and that is why these milestones matter so deeply.
International speakers Dr Eileen O’Reilly from Memorial Sloan Kettering and Dr Andy Lowy from UC San Diego at Pankind 2025 Scientific Meeting
The power of community voice
These achievements did not happen by chance. They were driven by people.
As both Julie and Diana have reflected, these outcomes were made possible because the community spoke up. People living with pancreatic cancer, carers, families, and supporters shared their experiences, contacted decision makers, and kept the pressure on until change became unavoidable.
It is a powerful reminder that while research happens in laboratories, momentum is created by people. Every story shared, every conversation held, and every voice raised helps shift what is possible.
Our commitment in Australia
Seeing this progress globally strengthens our resolve. It shows that change is achievable, even for a disease that has been overlooked for far too long.
We remain committed to being a strong, informed, and trusted voice for the Australian pancreatic cancer community. This means continuing to:
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Advocate for increased investment in Australian research and early detection.
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Collaborate with international partners to ensure that the best global innovations are supported into Australia.
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Represent the interests of people affected by pancreatic cancer at the highest levels of government, so that this disease is never overlooked.
To our partners at PanCAN and PCUK, thank you for leading with purpose and persistence. To our supporters across Australia, thank you for standing with us.
Together, we are moving closer to a future where surviving pancreatic cancer is no longer the exception, but the expectation.