“We know that survival rates for pancreatic cancer are very low, and people are diagnosed at a very late stage,” Elliott said. “It’s an underfunded cancer, so there’s less accessibility. There are fewer and fewer pancreatic specialists, so people, I think, come with this diagnosis and they’re already dealing with what feels like the worst diagnosis they can get.”
Pancreatic Cancer North America has developed a program, Ask an expert, designed to fill gaps for people diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones. People call or email with their question (whatever it may be) and they are directed to the right resource.
For example, if someone is considering participating in a clinical trial for his or her cancer treatment but doesn’t know where to start, he or she can call or email Ask an Expert. He or she will then receive all the information he or she needs to find and apply for a trial he or she is interested in.
Maureen Elliott, Senior Manager, Pancreatic Cancer North America Programs and Support.
DELIVERED
Each study runs through Elliott, and she and the team at Pancreatic Cancer North America “triage each study,” giving patients personalized feedback.
“We’re there as an option for people who have a lot of questions, don’t have enough time with their care teams because everyone is struggling, and sometimes just need space to ask all the questions that they think are small but really aren’t, because all of these things impact people’s ability to feel connected and supported,” she said.
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