News

February is Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month.

This year it is estimated that over 2226 Australians will be diagnosed with either gallbladder or biliary tract cancer. There is no early detection test, and there is a five-year survival rate of just 18.3 per cent. There has never been a more important time to advocate for these cancers.

Have your say on treatments that matter to you

Patients and their families impacted by upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are invited to share their lived experience on two therapies that are listed in the upcoming Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) meeting in March 2024. 

Navigating the Festive Season

Has all the festive feasting got you feeling a little Bah-Humbug about the holiday season? You’re not alone. Food can bring up many challenges for someone with upper gastrointestinal cancer. We’re here with some tips to help put a little joy back into your world this festive season.

Medicines Update.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), delivered welcomed news for Australians living with biliary cancer this week with IMFINZI® (durvalumab) being made available for patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC) from 1 December 2023.

Patients will now have reimbursed access to IMFINZI® (durvalumab) – the first new treatment in over ten years for this incurable disease. This will mean the cost of treatment is significantly reduced - helping patients have equitable access to treatments. 

PBAC recommends subsidised therapies for biliary and oesophageal cancers

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) last week announced two positive recommendations for therapies that will benefit biliary and oesophageal cancer patients. The therapies brought to PBAC have been submitted by two different companies, who made recommendations to have the medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), enabling patients to have greater access to more affordable treatments. 

Cancer and Religious Fasting

We spoke to Senior Oncology Dietitian, Lauren Atkins, and pancreatic cancer patient, Aida, for their thoughts on how to navigate religious fasting periods if you or a loved one is impacted by cancer. If you’re currently undergoing cancer treatment, it’s important to talk to your treatment team or an Accredited Practicing Dietitian first.

Pancare raising awareness at a shopping centre near you

Pancare Foundation is pleased to partner with Adflex Marketing and Loyalty Promotions again this year to continue to raise greater awareness of upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers in communities across Australia. The ‘Support, Save & Win’ promotion will help provide vital funds for Pancare’s support services for patients and families impacted by these cancers, and investment into research towards earlier detection and improved treatments.

Meet our specialist cancer care nurses

Pancare’s team of specialist cancer care nurses is growing, thanks to generous donations from our community fundraisers and major donors. Specialist cancer care nurses are experienced oncology nurses who provide evidence-based information regarding diagnosis, treatment, symptom management and wellbeing. They will empower you to work with your healthcare team to make informed choices about the treatment and management of your upper GI cancer.

2022 Scholarship & Award Winners

We believe that fostering an engaged clinical research community is a key driver in the development of research programs and clinical trials that will progress the therapies and best-practice care for those impacted by upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers into the future. Our support of early-career clinicians and scientists is cultivating world-leading research and accelerating delivery of results that improve outcomes and quality of life for those living with upper GI cancer, their carers and families.