Fund Status

Maximum Award Level

Eligibility Criteria

Patient should be insured and insurance must cover the medication for which patient seeks assistance.

The medication must fight the disease directly.

Patient must be a legal US resident.

Patient’s income must fall below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Get Help With Your Treatment

Phone: Call 1-866-316-PANF (7263)

Information About the Disease

Pancreatic cancer -- The pancreas contains 2 different kinds of glands. The exocrine glands make pancreatic "juice." This juice has enzymes which break down fats and proteins in foods so the body can use them. Most of the cells in the pancreas are part of the exocrine system. A smaller number of cells in the pancreas are endocrine cells. These cells are arranged in clusters called islets. They make hormones like insulin that help balance the amount of sugar in the blood. Both the exocrine and endocrine cells of the pancreas can form tumors. Each type of tumor has its own signs and symptoms, is found using different tests, is treated in different ways, and has a different outlook for survival (prognosis).

There are 3 main types of treatment for cancer of the pancreas: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy (often called just "chemo"). Depending on the stage of the cancer, some or even all of these types of treatment could be combined. 

For more information visit the American Cancer Society website and click on Cancer Reference Information or call 800-ACS-2345.