Coming together to change the future of pancreas cancer
The Pancreas Cancer Task Force is a group of skilled and dedicated community volunteers who have personally been affected by pancreas cancer. In a unique collaboration with the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Task Force members work in close concert with doctors, nurses and researchers to change the future of pancreas cancer.
Meet the Task Force
About the Pancreas Cancer Task Force
The Task Force was founded in 2011 by Madison-area community members—including pancreas cancer survivors, family members, and caregivers. The individual and collective determination to find ways to lessen the burden of this disease is at the heart of the Task Force’s work. By joining forces with the UW Carbone, Task Force members are able to work toward four important goals:
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- Increasing public awareness about pancreas cancer
- Raising funds for pancreas cancer research
- Providing patient-focused support
- Engage students in cancer related professions
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View the Pancreas Cancer Strategic Plan (pdf)
Our Mission
Pancreas Cancer by the Numbers
40 Years
Survival rates have not changed appreciably over this time
0
Reliable methods for early detection of pancreas cancer
12%
Number of pancreas cancer patients who survive 5 years or more. The lowest survival rate among cancers.
3rd
Leading cause of all cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
3rd
Leading cause of all cancer-related deaths in Wisconsin
2023
This year, there will be approximately 64,050 new cases of pancreas cancer & about 50,550 people will die of this disease compared to 297,790 new cases of breast cancer & 43,170 deaths (NIH).
Research & Training
Advancing Pancreas Cancer Research
Pancreas cancer is so big, so impersonal and so often dismally decisive. In order to change the dire statistics of pancreas cancer, new information and insights are needed to translate research initiatives into significant improvements.
The UW Carbone is committed to investing in cutting-edge research and recruitment of talented scientists to bring innovative new ideas to prevention, early diagnosis and treatments options.
Learn about Current Pancreas Cancer Research at UWCCC
Increasing & Diversifying Training Opportunities
- Foster career mentoring with pre- & post-doctoral students, encouraging focus on pancreas cancer research
- Recruit & retain high-quality faculty & staff & help develop individuals as leaders in their fields
- Provide more education & training for clinical staff who care for patients & their families
- Emphasize diversity in hiring in mentorship programs
- Create a pipeline for youth to have careers in oncology
- Learn about the ARISE (Advancing Research in Science with Equity) Summer Internship here at UW Carbone.
How to Make a Difference
Mark your calendars for upcoming Task Force community events. Our signature event, Roll & Stroll, is hosted annually in August.
Support the mission of the Pancreas Cancer Task Force by donating to support new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Keep up to date with timely pancreas cancer news or stroll through memory lane.
More information
If you’d like more information about the Pancreas Cancer Task Force, please contact:
Sofia Refetoff, PhD
Pancreas Cancer Outreach Program Manager
refetoff@wisc.edu
Paige Zezulka
Pancreas Cancer Outreach Specialist
pzezulka@wisc.edu
