PATIENT AND LIAISON SERVICES (PALS)
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Patient and
Liaison Services (PALS) program is a comprehensive,
free information and education service for pancreatic
cancer patients, their family members and caregivers,
and health professionals. Individuals who contact
the PALS program are matched with highly trained,
dedicated PALS Associates who are available to answer
questions and provide information and support. Those in need are encouraged to contact PALS as many
times as they wish to get the information they require throughout their pancreatic cancer journey.
The PALS program is the only one of its kind providing quality, detailed information on topics including
pancreatic cancer, diagnosis, treatment options, clinical trials, diet and nutrition, specialists and support
resources. The goal of the program is to help patients and their families learn about and understand their
options so that they may make informed choices together with their medical care teams.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network recommends that all pancreatic cancer patients consider clinical
trials when exploring treatment options. Clinical trials provide treatment options to current patients that
are potentially better than standard treatments and will help speed scientific progress toward therapeutic
breakthroughs for those who have yet to be diagnosed. The PALS program maintains a database of all
pancreatic cancer clinical trials taking place in the United States. PALS Associates are able to search this
database to provide personalized clinical trial information for interested patients and family members.
The PALS program also offers a library of educational materials and hosts the Pancreatic Cancer
Educational Event Series of in-person programs held around the country for patients and their
families. This year, the Pancreatic Cancer Symposia were also accredited to provide nursing contact
hours, expanding the scope of these educational opportunities.
PALS Highlights in 2011–’12
n
More than 6,500 individuals and families called or emailed the PALS program for pancreatic cancer
education, resources, information and support. Additionally, approximately 3,000 educational packets
were ordered online by individuals seeking information about the disease. The number of individuals
contacting PALS increased by 18% compared to the previous year. Since the inception of the program in
2002,
nearly 65,000 patients and their families have utilized services and resources offered through PALS.
The PALS program offers a variety of free educational materials.
To place an order, call 877-272-6226.