Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers. Tragically, it’s also one of the least funded. Thanks to all our generous and visionary donors – including Bob Hager and his family, and the Jack & Darlene Poole Foundation – this is about to change.

When Bob Hager urged the medical practitioners at VGH and the BC Cancer Agency to improve pancreatic care and research, they enthusiastically took up his challenge. In 2012, 22 doctors and researchers gathered together for a series of workshops to identify the gaps in pancreatic cancer care and research in Vancouver, and to prioritize where initial funding should be directed to have the biggest and most immediate impact.

75% of pancreatic cancer patients die within a year of diagnosis. Pancreas Centre BC aims to change that, and is committed to improving the lives of people with pancreatic cancer.

The result? The creation of Pancreas Centre BC, which brings together doctors and researchers from VGH, UBC and the BC Cancer Agency to improve early detection and treatment, increase survival rates and provide realistic hope for both patients and their families. An initial gift of close to $1 million from Bob Hager, and a $3 million donation from the Jack & Darlene Poole Foundation, along with other donors, are providing the start-up funds needed. Chaired by Dr. Charles Scudamore, Associate Professor of Surgery at VGH, and co-directed by Drs. David Schaeffer (VGH) and Daniel Renouf (BCCA), the Centre now has research infrastructure and staff in place.

Pancreatic cancer tragically claimed the lives of both Bob Hager and Jack Poole, who were both extraordinary leaders in this community. Fortunately, their legacies live on through generous donations from their loving families, friends and others, who understand firsthand the pain of seeing a loved one suffer from this tragic disease. Together, they share our determination to increase survival rates for people with pancreatic cancer.

SIDE BAR STORY: PANCREATIC CANCER HAS GRIM STATISTICS
British Columbia is in a unique position to develop a pancreatic cancer centre of excellence. Most pancreatic cancer surgery in BC takes place at VGH, with three surgeons performing over 80 pancreatic cancer operations per year.

• Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death. 75% of patients die within a year of diagnosis.
• In 2012, pancreatic cancer killed an estimated 4,300 people in Canada alone.
• The overall survival rate is only 6%.
• There are no good early detection tests: most patients have advanced disease by the time they’re diagnosed.
• The rate of pancreatic cancer is rising, unlike most other cancers. No one knows why.
• There is a huge unmet need for prevention, early detection and screening, as well as effective treatments and management.
• By developing new chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or other innovative treatment strategies, more lives can be saved.

Support Pancreas Cancer BC. [:zh]

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers. Tragically, it’s also one of the least funded. Thanks to all our generous and visionary donors – including Bob Hager and his family, and the Jack & Darlene Poole Foundation – this is about to change.

When Bob Hager urged the medical practitioners at VGH and the BC Cancer Agency to improve pancreatic care and research, they enthusiastically took up his challenge. In 2012, 22 doctors and researchers gathered together for a series of workshops to identify the gaps in pancreatic cancer care and research in Vancouver, and to prioritize where initial funding should be directed to have the biggest and most immediate impact.

75% of pancreatic cancer patients die within a year of diagnosis. Pancreas Centre BC aims to change that, and is committed to improving the lives of people with pancreatic cancer.

The result? The creation of Pancreas Centre BC, which brings together doctors and researchers from VGH, UBC and the BC Cancer Agency to improve early detection and treatment, increase survival rates and provide realistic hope for both patients and their families. An initial gift of close to $1 million from Bob Hager, and a $3 million donation from the Jack & Darlene Poole Foundation, along with other donors, are providing the start-up funds needed. Chaired by Dr. Charles Scudamore, Associate Professor of Surgery at VGH, and co-directed by Drs. David Schaeffer (VGH) and Daniel Renouf (BCCA), the Centre now has research infrastructure and staff in place.

Pancreatic cancer tragically claimed the lives of both Bob Hager and Jack Poole, who were both extraordinary leaders in this community. Fortunately, their legacies live on through generous donations from their loving families, friends and others, who understand firsthand the pain of seeing a loved one suffer from this tragic disease. Together, they share our determination to increase survival rates for people with pancreatic cancer.

SIDE BAR STORY: PANCREATIC CANCER HAS GRIM STATISTICS
British Columbia is in a unique position to develop a pancreatic cancer centre of excellence. Most pancreatic cancer surgery in BC takes place at VGH, with three surgeons performing over 80 pancreatic cancer operations per year.

• Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death. 75% of patients die within a year of diagnosis.
• In 2012, pancreatic cancer killed an estimated 4,300 people in Canada alone.
• The overall survival rate is only 6%.
• There are no good early detection tests: most patients have advanced disease by the time they’re diagnosed.
• The rate of pancreatic cancer is rising, unlike most other cancers. No one knows why.
• There is a huge unmet need for prevention, early detection and screening, as well as effective treatments and management.
• By developing new chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or other innovative treatment strategies, more lives can be saved.

Support Pancreas Cancer BC.