Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Canada. This year 4700 Canadians will be diagnosed and 75% of these will die within the first 3 to 6 months of diagnosis. These mortality statistics have not changed significantly in 40 years. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing and it is predicted to be the second leading cause of cancer death by 2020 (U.S. study). As per an Act of Congress, NCI-USA published priorities for pancreatic cancer research this year. In a 2011 report, Charity Intelligence Canada cited pancreatic cancer as the most seriously underfunded cancer, receiving less than 1% of research and charitable funding. A strategic approach to funding this research is required to ensure that maximum progress can be made with limited resources and improve outcomes. Therefore, Pancreatic Cancer Canada (PCC) is committed to developing and publishing a scientific framework (consensus statement) on Canadian priorities for pancreatic cancer research. To test the appetite for this initiative a representative of PCC conducted outreach interviews with leaders of cancer research and cancer control in Canada in the spring 2014. As per the attached outreach report, the timing is good for such an initiative and there is desire to partner. The value of the framework was enthusiastically acknowledged and there was also interest in the creation of a collaborative fund. PCC is exploring the feasibility of creating such a fund with other cancer research funders through a separate process. A steering committee (SC) composed of members with research expertise from all IV Pillars as well as experience creating scientific consensus has been formed. The SC will plan for and hold a workshop in Spring 2015 to develop the research framework with the end point being the peer-reviewed publication and dissemination of the framework document. This scientific framework would then inform the direction and plans of cancer research funders.