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Inaugural World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition Annual meeting member attendees
With November comes World Pancreatic Cancer Day. But did you know that wasn’t always the case? In fact, this year we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of World Pancreatic Cancer Day (WPCD) and the beginning of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC).
World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition Leadership in New York City
In 2013, pancreatic cancer patient advocacy organizations from around the world came together to discuss working collaboratively to raise global pancreatic cancer awareness and work to support each other’s efforts. That next year, WPCD was introduced to the world.
The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, with PanCAN as a founding member, was officially launched in 2016 with its inaugural annual meeting. At that first meeting, 54 organizations representing 24 countries met with one goal: to drive transformational change for all those affected by pancreatic cancer. Since then, the Coalition has grown to more than 100 member organizations from more than 30 countries.
Julie M. Fleshman, President and CEO, PanCAN; Chair, World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition
PanCAN President and CEO Julie M. Fleshman, JD, MBA has served as chair of the WPCC since its start.
“The strength of the Coalition lies in each of its members,” Fleshman said. “By sharing best practices and leveraging expertise, we strengthen our collective impact and the impact of individual member organizations. The growth of the Coalition has been remarkable and by working together, we will accelerate progress around the globe.”
In 2023, the WPCD campaign “Hello Pancreas” was created to introduce people to their pancreas with education about its function and the risks and symptoms of pancreatic cancer. The campaign included guides, websites, videos, social media assets, messaging and more – available to member organizations in multiple languages. The campaign garnered international attention and engagement on social media and traditional media platforms – especially the striking visuals of all the buildings around the world being lit purple for World Pancreatic Cancer Day. In 2024, the WPCC will continue the “Hello Pancreas” theme with fresh messaging, videos and more.
Hello Pancreas – World Pancreatic Cancer Day Campaign theme 2024
In addition to World Pancreatic Cancer Day, the Coalition provides ongoing opportunities for education and integration for its members. For instance, a monthly Twitter/X event called #PancChat began in 2016, co-hosted by PanCAN, Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer and Lustgarten Foundation, all members of the WPCC. Join the World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month chat on November 19 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Twitter/X.
Follow the WPCC and World Pancreatic Cancer Day on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok to be a part of the action all month long.
