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Joining the fight against pancreatic cancer is essential, and your company’s partnership with PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network) can make a significant impact, especially in Tennessee, where recent data paints a concerning picture of rising incidence rates. According to the latest data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), pancreatic cancer cases in Tennessee have been steadily increasing, with specific counties like Knox, Davidson, Shelby, Rutherford, and Hamilton seeing notable surges. In a state where 106 residents are diagnosed with cancer each day, three of these diagnoses are pancreatic cancer. The urgency of the situation is evident, as three Tennesseans also die from this devastating disease each day. Pancreatic cancer is notorious for being diagnosed at later stages, often leading to a grim prognosis and limited treatment options. This makes early detection a critical component of improving outcomes. By partnering with PanCAN, your company can play a pivotal role in raising awareness, advocating for early detection, and funding innovative research aimed at finding a cure. Here’s why this partnership is not only a worthy cause but a strategic alignment for your company: Community Impact: With rising cases in key counties like Knox (Knoxville), Davidson (Nashville), and Hamilton (Chattanooga), your involvement would directly benefit the local communities. PanCAN’s presence in advocating for research & community support aligns with corporate social responsibility goals, allowing your company to be seen as a champion of public health. Life-Saving Awareness: Partnering with PanCAN will amplify efforts to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer’s symptoms & risk factors. With early detection being crucial, your company can contribute to public education campaigns that help individuals seek medical care earlier, potentially saving lives. Strengthening Tennessee’s Health Initiatives: The collaboration can tie into state-level health initiatives, highlighting your company’s commitment to the well-being of Tennesseans. PanCAN’s proven advocacy & research support across the U.S. will enhance Tennessee’s healthcare landscape, making your company a leader in this vital cause. Supporting Groundbreaking Research: PanCAN invests in cutting-edge research to improve early detection and develop new treatments. Your company can be part of these efforts, directly contributing to advancements that may one day lead to a cure for pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, the battle against pancreatic cancer is not just a medical challenge—it’s a community one. By partnering with PanCAN, your company can help lead the charge in Tennessee, saving lives and making a meaningful difference in the fight against this deadly disease. Learn more about the work being done in our "Tennessee PanCAN Affiliate - Summer Edition Newsletter" and learn how you can get involved today!

Lung Cancer Screening - who is afraid of overdiagnosis? As the discussion on overdiagnosis is coming back now with #lungcancerscreening in Asia, I wanted to drop a few words. Four charts below: 1. Definition: Cancer arises from a single cell and grows. At a certain size it becomes detectable through screening, at larger size, it leads to symptoms and later to patient's death. Patient A has a symptomatic cancer, is treated with a time of progression free survival and finally dies from lung cancer. The majority of patients outside screening. Patient B's cancer is detected in screening, treated and the patient is cured, until he reaches the "natural" life expectancy and dies from other cause. Patient C is overdiagnosed: His slower growing cancer would never has been diagnosed, as he dies from other causes before this happens. So this patient may be harmed from screening, as he is treated without a benefit in survival. This is very rare (see below). 2. Shows how this is seen in studies (here NLST): Compared to control group, diagnoses in the LDCT group happen earlier (shift left). If they also happen more often (shift upwards), this is overdiagnosis. Challenge: If we see only part of the curve, left-shift and upward-shift look alike. So in the 7-yrs-follow up data of the NLST, it looks like overdiagnosis. 3. This disappears when we look at the full curves: In the 12 yrs f'up data from the NLST, the upward shift is gone. No overdiagnosis. This is relevant, because a lot of papers on overdiagnosis in #lungcancerscreening are based on short follow-up. Forget them. Obsolete. So we can safely say that overdiagnosis plays no role when screening the right target group with known high risk. (Some may now say that NLST control data is biased because use of x-ray - forget it, there is similar data from UK without x-ray). So go ahead and screen them. 4. shows results outside screening, and outside and defined target group: When in Taiwan commercial "checkups" with CT were started, this was largely used by younger, never-smoking women. As you can see, early-stage diagnoses of lung cancer went up, but late-stage incidence and mortality not down. This indeed looks like overdiagnosis - with two caveats: (1) we may not see the complete curve - these are young women with slow-growing adenocarcinomas. Maybe the mortality just happens later, and (2) this is not screening, and specifically not guideline adherent. Most of these nodules appeared as ground-glass opacities (GGOs) in CT. If you look at the LungRads guideline, GGOs only trigger invasive actions (biopsy, surgery) if they grow or become solid. So likely, a portion of these cancers would never have been diagnosed in a guideline-adherent screening program. Conclusion: Fear of overdiagnosis should not delay screening of well-known target groups. Structured screening with guideline adherence is important. For low-risk people, we need more data.

The Heather Cutler Foundation proudly announces its membership in the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC), marking a significant milestone in its mission to improve pancreatic cancer care across Canada. The WPCC is a global network of over 100 organizations from 40 countries, including Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society, Pancreatic Cancer Canada, and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). “Being invited into the same space as these incredible organizations is something we never could have imagined just months ago,” said Christopher Cutler, founder of the Heather Cutler Foundation. The coalition’s members have made significant progress in pancreatic cancer research and advocacy: • Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society hosted Canada’s first accredited National Pancreas Conference in 2021, raising over $2 million for research and providing grants to support patients with treatment-related expenses. • Pancreatic Cancer Canada has invested $1 million in the COMPASS study since 2016, generating critical insights into pancreatic cancer treatment. It also launched the NeoPancONE and PASS-01 clinical trials, committing $2 million over three years to improve survival rates for resectable cancer patients. • Pancreatic Cancer Action Network raised over $174 million for pancreatic cancer research, significantly advancing treatment options and building a network of volunteer affiliates to support over 80,000 families. The WPCC spans 39 countries across six continents, creating a truly global effort to combat pancreatic cancer. This year, 2024, marks the 10th anniversary of World Pancreatic Cancer Day, and the impact of this annual campaign continues to grow because of your support. Join the conversation with #HelloPancreas, helping to raise awareness and advocate for better care and research. Through its membership, the Heather Cutler Foundation gains access to global expertise and advocacy networks. “This partnership helps us push for better care in Newfoundland and Canada’s smaller provinces, where advancements are not reaching patients,” Christopher explained. “We believe meaningful change requires not only collaboration but also the courage to difficult conversations. We’re committed to asking the tough questions and holding systems accountable to ensure no Canadian faces this disease without the care they deserve. #PancreaticCancer #WPCC #WPCD

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. World Lung Cancer Day is observed on 01 Aug every year to raise awareness about this disease. In Singapore, it ranks as the third most common cancer and the top cause of cancer-related deaths. This year, the Lung Cancer Consortium Singapore (LCCS) and the Lung Cancer Education and Advocacy for Patients (LEAP) released a white paper titled "Empowering Asian Lung Cancer Advocates" (https://lnkd.in/grZrvhKg). The white paper draws on global best practices and insights from the Hopeful Voices Patient Advocate Roundtable Meeting, which was hosted by LEAP and the LCCS in late 2023. It sets forth actionable recommendations for patient advocacy groups to address the issues identified and bolster lung cancer advocacy in Singapore. They include: 1. Enhancing patient advocacy for better cancer care 2. Advocate for better access to lung cancer screening 3. Advocate for better access to potentially life-saving treatments and clinical trials Tech Observer medicalcommunications is honoured to have played a part in producing this very meaningful work. We are immensely grateful to the guidance given by the authors and to LEAP and LCCS for allowing us to participate in this initiative.

We are half way through pancreatic cancer awareness month and I thought I would share with you some of the harsh statistics about pancreatic cancer. Please read digest and share the source of these stats is Cancer Research UK (CRUK). #sethslegacy There are around 10,800 new pancreatic cancer cases in the UK every year, that's 30 every day (2017-2019). Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 3% of all new cancer cases (2017-2019). In females in the UK, pancreatic cancer is the 9th most common cancer, with around 5,200 new cases every year (2017-2019). In males in the UK, pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer, with around 5,600 new cases every year (2017-2019). Incidence rates for pancreatic cancer in the UK are highest in people aged 85 to 89 (2017-2019). Each year almost half (47%) of all new pancreatic cancer cases in the UK are diagnosed in people aged 75 and over (2017-2019). Since the early 1990s, pancreatic cancer incidence rates have increased by around a sixth (18%) in the UK. Rates in females have increased by around a fifth (19%), and rates in males have increased by around a seventh (15%) (2017-2019). Over the last decade, pancreatic cancer incidence rates have increased by almost a tenth (8%) in the UK. Rates in females have increased by more than a twentieth (7%), and rates in males have increased by a tenth (10%) (2017-2019). The most common specific location for pancreatic cancers in the UK is the head of the pancreas (2016-2018). Pancreatic cancer incidence rates are projected to rise by 5% in the UK between 2023-2025 and 2038-2040. There could be around 16,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer every year in the UK by 2038-2040, projections suggest. Pancreatic cancer incidence rates in England in females are 19% higher in the most deprived quintile compared with the least, and in males are 20% higher in the most deprived quintile compared with the least (2013-2017). Around 540 cases of pancreatic cancer each year in England are linked with deprivation (around 220 in females and around 320 in males). Pancreatic cancer incidence rates for persons are lower in the Asian ethnic group and in people of mixed or multiple ethnicity, but higher in the Black ethnic group, compared with the White ethnic group, in England (2013-2017). An estimated 6,600 people who had previously been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were alive in the UK at the end of 2010.

August 1st is a World Lung Cancer Day. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer and the biggest EU cancer killer. As with all cancers, survival rates are much higher when it is caught early. The EU-funded SOLACE project supports Member States with implementation and will provide a personalised toolbox to national and regional centres to facilitate the implementation of lung-cancer screening programmes across the EU, with a particular focus on groups that are at higher risk due to health inequalities. In the long term the project will provide valuable learning on how best to implement a cost-effective screening programme for lung cancer and the best techniques for reaching out to those groups that are at particularly high risk. This will ensure that those as most risk of lung cancer have access to high quality screening in a way that fits their needs. https://lnkd.in/dYXbfxxz Project website: http://solacelung.eu Lung Cancer Europe Udruga Jedra MIroslav Samarzija European Respiratory Society @solace

Lung Cancer Awareness Month: We advocate Early Detection for Better Outcomes Lung cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide with around estimated 1.8 million deaths in 2022 (World Cancer Research Fund International) accounting for the highest mortality rates among both men and women (World Health Organization). It is a significant contributor to cancer deaths here in the UK, with around 49,200 people diagnosed annually (Cancer Research UK (CRUK). However, early detection can make a critical difference—improving survival rates and offering patients a much better chance for recovery. Early-stage lung cancer detection can raise five-year survival rates to 56%, compared to just 5% in late-stage cases. As part of the NHS commitment to early diagnosis, free lung health checks are available to higher-risk individuals through the Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) program, aiming to catch potential cases sooner. To see if you or a loved one qualifies, learn about these screenings via the NHS website. We are proud to stand alongside our NHS partners and dedicated charities like Macmillan Cancer Support in the mission to reduce lung cancer’s toll on individuals and families across the UK. These organisations offer critical resources and mental health support to patients and their families, building a network of care that goes far beyond treatment. At medcareworld, we believe preventive health is key to reducing lung cancer’s impact on public health. Through our partnerships, we’re working to make diagnostics more accessible and timelier, helping to ensure that every patient has a chance at the best possible outcome.    This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s encourage everyone to prioritise their lung health—whether by understanding risk factors, scheduling a screening, or sharing information with those who may need it. Together, we can change the story on lung cancer. Early detection saves lives, and we’re committed to making that a reality. Here are essential UK resources for information, support, and guidance: NHS Lung Health Check: Free screenings for higher-risk individuals to support early detection. More info: https://lnkd.in/eZcKScaR. Cancer Research UK: Info on lung cancer symptoms, treatments, and research. More info: https://lnkd.in/gbr3uPDv. Macmillan Cancer Support: Helpline, online communities, and local support. Call 0808 808 0000 or visit https://lnkd.in/gmfbxP7. Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation: UK’s only lung cancer charity offering support groups and grants. More info can be found at https://www.roycastle.org/. Asthma + Lung UK: Resources and patient support for lung health are available at https://lnkd.in/g5suPemd. #LungCancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #PreventiveHealth #NHS #Screening #LungHealth #PublicHealth #medcareworld #HealthcareSolutions #PatientCare #ClinicalExcellence

This week, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Leadership Summit & Lobby Day as a Stage 3A Melanoma skin cancer survivor. My journey with melanoma began not because of a lack of research or funds, but due to a missed skin check during the pandemic. By the time I was diagnosed in 2021, the melanoma had reached Stage 3A, spreading to my lymph nodes. Walking into Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey's office, surrounded by my passionate Pennsylvania colleagues, I reflected deeply on how to advocate for increased funding for cancer research and the importance of early detection. Collaborating with melanoma warriors, like Melissa Kultgen, I find strength in our shared experiences. Melissa, a dear friend of mine, was also at the LS&LD representing Wisconsin. Melissa's story is particularly poignant. Diagnosed in 2018, just before the FDA approved the life-saving immunotherapy drugs, she had to fight for access to this treatment. In contrast, I received immunotherapy via Keytruda immediately upon my diagnosis in 2021, highlighting the critical need for timely access to new treatments. At Capitol Hill, we lobbied with senators and congressional district teams to support the highest possible funding increases for cancer research and prevention programs in the FY25 funding bill. ACS CAN requests: - $51.3 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $7.934 billion for cancer research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) - $1.5 billion for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) - $472.4 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) cancer programs, including $230 million for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. We urged for the final passage of H.R. 2407/S. 2085, the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act. I am so thankful the majority support MCED. Most already agree with us that this is important, but we must get it to vote by September 30 before the end of this Congress. Time is sensitive, but there is still hope. And the hard truth is that the ability to research and create these treatments that directly save lives costs money. We do not want these researchers to be haunted simply due to lack of funds. Young leaders are more eager than ever to find a cure for cancer and understand it better so that we can keep people living longer. Just like keeping me living longer is all thanks to Keytruda. In a world where I was diagnosed just 3-4 years earlier, I would not have received it. I am living proof that these funds matter. Cancer is time-sensitive, and research funding is essential to keep pace with this relentless disease. As always, the only way we can fight cancer is together. 🎗️💪🏼 #CancerAdvocacy #MelanomaSurvivor #EarlyDetection #ResearchFunding #ACSCAN #LobbyDay #CancerAwareness #CancerLobbyDay

I want to echo a post I saw earlier this morning. Today is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer. However, with much help from the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and the Susan G Komen Foundation, we've seen rates of mortality from Breast Cancer drop dramatically! By driving awareness, early detection, and innovation in treatment, outcomes for Breast Cancer patients have improved tremendously. The work that's been done is incredible, should continue, and should be celebrated! While Breast Cancer outcomes have wonderfully improved, Lung Cancer remains the leading cause of death among Cancer patients, and the rates of Lung Cancer are mysteriously on the rise among young people. As has been explained to me, when a young person gets cancer (any cancer) we cannot blame environmental factors exclusively. There is something else going on. Pertaining to lung cancer, that means that whether you smoke or are a triathlete, if you have lungs, you can get Lung Cancer. Lung Cancer is showing up in young people regardless of environmental factors. And usually, when it presents, (due to a lack of early detection) it's at a late stage. When my cancer was detected, I was Stage IIIB and am now Stage IV. Why bring this up today? One: I want to point to the successes that we've seen in Breast Cancer from the drive toward early detection and innovation, as a result of the drive to awareness. And hope that we can eventually see parallel success for Lung Cancer. Two: I think there is a sad and unnecessary stigma associated with Lung Cancer. It’s the only cancer that people get blamed for having (imagine that feeling), despite the fact that it's now on the rise among the young. However, with a combination of advances in both medical science and computing, I do think the cure for cancer will be seen, for all, in most of your lifetimes. It would be wonderful if no one has to go through what I've been through ever again. If this is your first visit to my page, I've started a GoFundMe in hopes of raising the necessary funds for a procedure not covered by insurance, but that has the possibility of bringing me to a CURE and giving me a chance at a longer life! Or, at the very least, providing valuable data toward a definitive cure. You should be able to find the link in the upper left corner. Please consider a contribution, if it is within your means, or please re-share this post. I need maximum visibility to have a chance at raising the funds I need. Thank you for taking the time to read. And while I do have some personal interest, I stand in solidarity with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Consider a contribution to any of the above-mentioned foundations as well. Thank you. Also. I want to thank Amy Grove, fellow Lung Cancer patient, for inspiring this post.  - Dustin (cancer patient, but mostly just a pretty cool and nice guy! 🙂)

WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative Breast cancer awareness month Theme: No-one should face breast cancer alone October 2024 Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases every year. It represents one in eight cancer cases in both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women1 with 70% mortality occurring in resource constrained settings. Health system barriers and patient level factors with low levels of awareness and knowledge are contributing to low uptake of early detection services, with resultant late-stage diagnoses and poor outcomes. In many resource-constrained settings, breast cancer affects a relatively younger population significantly contributing to premature mortality and maternal orphans. Overview: The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) in 2021 to reduce mortality rates by 2.5% per year to 2040 through three key pillars of action on health promotion for early detection, timely diagnosis; and comprehensive breast cancer management. The breast cancer awareness month (BCAM) is celebrated globally every October to build awareness about breast cancer, highlight the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment and support for breast cancer patients. It provides an opportunity for stakeholders to network, review progress, reflect and renew commitments in tackling the disease. Working with its partners, the GBCI seeks to utilize this platform to mainstream breast cancer as a global health priority, create awareness and advocacy and build momentum to address the existing disparities and challenges across the care continuum for breast cancer. Objectives 1. To promote advocacy, awareness, social mobilization and behaviour change communication on breast cancer. 2. To provide a platform for knowledge exchange, multisectoral collaboration, action and renewed commitments for achieving GBCI key performance indicators by Member States. 3. To launch the breast cancer patient navigation brief and knowledge action portal. 4. To encourage focused country policy dialogues on improving breast cancer service delivery, monitoring and evaluation at all levels of care. Participants Breast cancer awareness month will be convened in the month of October and will bring together participants across all board including: • WHO headquarters, regional and country offices • representatives from ministries of health • development and multilateral partners • various private sector organizations associated with breast cancer • nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions and philanthropic organizations involved breast cancer and integrated women’s health programmes • persons with lived experiences • civil society groups.