What advocacy means for us?
For us, advocacy is more than speaking up—it’s about standing with people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, their families, and everyone impacted by this disease.
We work alongside our community to ensure that voices are heard, needs are met, and lives are valued—equally and everywhere.
We believe that every person affected by pancreatic cancer in Australia deserves:
- Access to the best available treatment, wherever they live
- Accurate, empowering information to guide their decisions
- A fair and just health system, without postcode disadvantage
- A future where progress isn’t just possible—it’s within reach
Advocating for people diagnosed and their loved ones
Pancreatic cancer is a fast-moving, complex disease. For those diagnosed and their carers, navigating care can be confusing, confronting, and deeply isolating. That’s why we advocate to ensure people are supported at every stage of their journey.
Pankind was founded by someone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and their carer — built from lived experience, for people going through the same. Today, our mission is powered by a community of families who’ve walked this path. While many support us after their own journey has ended, their backing is a powerful testament to the need for change and fuels our unwavering fight for fairness, progress and better outcomes for every Australian affected by this disease.
We work to:
- Push for access to cutting-edge treatments, including those developed internationally
- Ensure patient resources are clear, compassionate and evidence-based
- Promote health system equity, so that no Australians, including rural and remote aren’t left behind
Our goal is simple: to help every person diagnosed with pancreatic cancer make informed choices and access care that offers the best chance at survival and quality of life.
National Leadership & Policy Advocacy
Pankind played a central role in the creation of the National Pancreatic Cancer Roadmap—a landmark strategy developed by Cancer Australia to guide national efforts across detection, research, care, and outcomes.
We continue to engage with government and health leaders to:
- Drive system-wide reforms that centre the needs of patients
- Secure sustainable investment in research, treatment, and support services
- Keep pancreatic cancer on the national agenda—where it belongs
Access and Affordability of Treatment
Life-saving treatment should never depend on a person’s ability to pay.
That’s why we advocate to ensure that effective therapies and technologies are accessible, affordable, and available in Australia.
This includes:
- Working with government funding bodies to list effective drugs and tools on the PBS and MBS
- Encouraging innovative companies to bring global advances to Australia
- Partnering with researchers and economists to build strong, evidence-based cases for public access
Our advocacy helps ensure the best care reaches the people who need it most—fast.
Representing the Patient Voice
People affected by pancreatic cancer should shape the future of research, care and policy. We ensure that their voice is not only heard, but prioritised.
We represent the community in:
- Research grants and project design
- Clinical studies and ethics reviews
- Health system reforms and national advisory panels
By placing lived experience at the centre, we help ensure that new solutions are not just innovative—but practical, compassionate and effective.
Why Advocacy Matters
Pancreatic cancer has long been under-recognised and underfunded. Advocacy is how we shift the dial—demanding fairness, driving investment, and ensuring accountability.
Because for those living with this disease, time matters. Visibility matters. Action matters.
At Pankind, we don’t just advocate for change.
We work every day to make it happen.