Voices for change
PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation has been investing in research and advocating for more focus and funding for the disease for many years.
PanKind hosted a historic event at Parliament House, uniting policymakers, medical professionals, patients, and supporters to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer and call for additional focus and funding. The event represented a critical moment in history for all individuals and organisations who had spent years on the frontline, working toward better outcomes and increased survival for those impacted by pancreatic cancer.
In an important upcoming milestone, the Senate Community Affairs References Committee will hold an inquiry into equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for individuals with rare and less common cancers, including neuroendocrine cancer.
This inquiry calls for submissions from both organisations and everyday Australians impacted by the disease, with submissions by people with pancreatic cancer and their family and friends becoming a critical part of this process.
Michelle Stewart, PanKind CEO explains why individual submissions from our community are so important, “we have been listening to your experiences and for many years, advocating for better outcomes. Our submission will importantly address these needs to ensure that the views of pancreatic cancer patients and their families are captured and included. By taking a few minutes to capture and submit your own story and experience with pancreatic cancer, you will be helping to change the future of those diagnosed in the future. We can only have the greatest impact together and this is a chance for our united voice to be heard at the very highest levels of government.”
Judi Adams, currently living with pancreatic cancer, says “People like me need access to credible information and support, and there needs to be equal access to affordable treatment and care, irrespective of where you may live or your socio-economic background. I resolved to make a difference by speaking up and calling for change, and I'm encouraging others to add their voice to this conversation too. By making a submission, we can all assist to change the system to ensure better outcomes for those impacted by a cancer diagnosis.”
How to be a “Voice for Change”
Be part of this process and help change the future for patients and their families in two simple steps:
- Capture your experience, in your own words, using the suggestions below. If you are unsure about how to write a submission, consider these points below. Both short and long responses are equally powerful!
- Who are you, and where are you from?
- What is your connection to pancreatic cancer?
- Were there any obstacles you or your loved ones faced in the battle with pancreatic cancer? (e.g. lack of support, timely diagnosis, treatment options, cost, cultural/language barriers?)
- What changes would you like to see happen within the pancreatic cancer realm, and how can these changes be addressed?
- Submit your response in a Word document, in the format below
Attn: Senate Community Affairs References Committee
Subject: Submission for the Inquiry into equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for individuals with rare and less common cancers, including neuroendocrine cancer
Name & location:
Response: (your own response to the questions/dot points above)
Save your response in a word document and send via one method below:
Email: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au with your saved word document (*easiest option)
Submit online (this requires creating a profile on the aph.gov.au website)
Post a response as a written letter to :
Senate Community Affairs References Committee
PO Box 6100, Parliament House Canberra
ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6277 3515
Thank you for your support. Submissions are due by 31 August 2023.