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In the coming year, more people than ever before are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. And with a five-year survival rate that continues to hover at 13%, this cancer remains one of the deadliest.
While sobering, this news, published by the American Cancer Society today in their Cancer Facts and Figures 2026 report, serves as a call to action. We’ve made tremendous strides – although still too low, five-year survival has tripled since PanCAN’s founding – and right now, the momentum is with us to change the trajectory of this disease.
Here are some key takeaways from today’s report:
- The five-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains at 13% and is just 8% for people diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (tumor in the exocrine pancreas). Approximately 90% of all pancreatic cancer diagnoses are adenocarcinomas.
- An estimated 67,530 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2026, which continues a years-long trend of increasing incidence. And approximately 52,740 Americans are expected to die from the disease this year.
- Although pancreatic cancer is currently the 11th most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., it is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, after lung and colorectal. And it is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths before 2030.
Because 13% survival is not enough, PanCAN has set a bold goal: Drive the five-year survival rate to 20% by 2030. We will do this by accelerating research, expanding patient support and championing a thriving field. Here are some examples of how PanCAN is leading the charge:
- Accelerating Research: PanCAN is completing the one-year follow-up on 8,800+ participants in our Early Detection Initiative — a landmark study of individuals with new-onset diabetes, currently the most significant non-genetic risk factor for pancreatic cancer. This dataset is among the first of its kind and could help shape future national screening guidelines.
- Expanding Patient Support: As diagnoses continue to increase, even more people will need PanCAN Patient Services. Our team will be there raising awareness and providing access to the right teams and treatment through our Right Track framework. Our goal is to expand our reach so that every patient and family – no matter who they are, where they live or what barriers to care they may face -- gets timely, expert support.
- Championing a Thriving Field: A wave of clinical trials targeting KRAS, mutated in over 90% of pancreatic tumors, and new tools, like artificial intelligence, that stand to help detect pancreatic cancer earlier, mean change is on the horizon. To meet this moment, we are convening leaders in the field to foster collaboration as well as building the pipeline of future researchers by funding and mentoring early-career investigators. We’re also making critical data more accessible than ever before through innovative tools like our SPARK health data platform, breaking down silos and accelerating progress.
Join Our Movement
Breakthroughs happen when an entire field moves as one community — and PanCAN is the backbone of this effort. Patients and families trust us, scientists rely on us, and policymakers look to us to set the agenda. Here’s how you can join our movement:
- Make a gift today. You’ll fund leading-edge research and make sure every person faced with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis has somewhere to turn.
- Become an advocate. Nearly 80% of all pancreatic cancer research funding comes from the federal government. Join the thousands of PanCAN grassroots advocates who are urging Congress to protect and increase that funding.
- On Saturday, April 25, 2026, take steps with survivors, families, caregivers, friends, physicians and researchers at PanCAN PurpleStride, our biggest community event of the year. Every dollar you raise will help create a world where everyone affected by pancreatic cancer will thrive. Register now.
This movement is powered by leaders like you — people who believe that bold action today can rewrite the future for patients and families.
