Your cancer has a code.
Understanding it can change the conversation.
My CANcer Code provides eligible pancreatic cancer patients across Canada with access to advanced genomic testing at no cost, helping clinicians and patients make more informed treatment decisions when time matters most.
Treatment decisions for pancreatic cancer are often time-sensitive
In those moments, insight into the cancer’s biology can shape the questions asked, the treatment options considered, and what comes next.
Through My CANcer Code, Pancreatic Cancer North America (PCNA), in partnership with OncoHelix, is providing access to advanced genomic testing for eligible patients across Canada. Genomic testing can provide earlier insight into a tumour’s unique biology and support more personalized treatment decisions. These may include targeted therapies, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and clinical trials.
By bringing this testing directly to patients and their healthcare teams, this program helps close a critical access gap in pancreatic cancer care.
Through My CANcer Code, Pancreatic Cancer North America (PCNA), in partnership with OncoHelix, is providing access to advanced genomic testing for eligible patients across Canada. Genomic testing can provide earlier insight into a tumour’s unique biology and support more personalized treatment decisions. These may include targeted therapies, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and clinical trials.
By bringing this testing directly to patients and their healthcare teams, this program helps close a critical access gap in pancreatic cancer care.
Note: Testing must be ordered by a physician. PCNA can provide support to help navigate the next steps.
My CANcer Code Provides a New Path to More Informed Pancreatic Cancer Care
My CANcer Code is a national program designed to make advanced genomic testing more accessible for pancreatic cancer patients in Canada.
Through this program, eligible patients will be able to access:
Through this program, eligible patients will be able to access:
Advanced genomic testing through OncoHelix at no cost
A tissue-based test when a tumour sample is available
A blood-based test when a tumour sample is not available
Results to help guide more informed treatment decisions
For too many patients, access to advanced genomic testing is still shaped by geography, health coverage, and cost. My CANcer Code is designed to help close that gap for eligible patients across Canada.
Looking Deeper Into the Biology of Pancreatic Cancer
Genomic testing, also called biomarker testing or molecular testing, looks at the biology of a tumour to identify genetic changes that may be driving cancer growth.
This testing analyzes a sample of tumour tissue collected through surgery or a biopsy. If there is not enough tissue available, or if a tissue sample cannot be obtained, testing may be done using a blood sample. This is called a liquid biopsy.
This testing analyzes a sample of tumour tissue collected through surgery or a biopsy. If there is not enough tissue available, or if a tissue sample cannot be obtained, testing may be done using a blood sample. This is called a liquid biopsy.
Pancreatic Cancer Leaves Little Time for Unanswered Questions
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose and treat. Most people are diagnosed at an advanced stage when options are limited, and treatment decisions must be made quickly, often in the absence of genomic insight.
But not all pancreatic cancers are the same.
Each tumour has its own unique biology. Advanced genomic testing provides clinicians with comprehensive information to better understand this biology and help guide treatment options for a patient’s cancer. This supports more personalized care, enabling more informed treatment decisions when time is limited.
But not all pancreatic cancers are the same.
Each tumour has its own unique biology. Advanced genomic testing provides clinicians with comprehensive information to better understand this biology and help guide treatment options for a patient’s cancer. This supports more personalized care, enabling more informed treatment decisions when time is limited.
My CANcer Code is designed to help identify what information is available at a critical point in care.
Who Can Access My CANcer Code?
Patients may be eligible for My CANcer Code if they:
Patients who have already received genomic testing may still be considered. Prior testing will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and previous test reports must be submitted with the requisition.
Not sure whether biomarker or genomic testing has already been done? Ask your healthcare team.
Not sure whether biomarker or genomic testing has already been done? Ask your healthcare team.
A Clearer Path to Genomic Insight
Getting started involves both the patient and their healthcare team. PCNA is available to help with questions or requests for more support or information.
1
Registration with PCNA
Complete the Registration Form on this page to begin the process.
Complete the Registration Form on this page to begin the process.
2
Speak with your healthcare team
Download the Physician Test Requisition Form and review it with your physician, who must complete and sign the form before testing can proceed.
Download the Physician Test Requisition Form and review it with your physician, who must complete and sign the form before testing can proceed.
3
Receipt of Requisition by OncoHelix
Once the physician sends the completed requisition to OncoHelix, the process will begin.
Once the physician sends the completed requisition to OncoHelix, the process will begin.
4
Sample Receipt by OncoHelix
Testing may be completed using tumour tissue or, when tissue is unavailable, a blood sample. Sample shipment is coordinated between the relevant laboratory and OncoHelix.
Testing may be completed using tumour tissue or, when tissue is unavailable, a blood sample. Sample shipment is coordinated between the relevant laboratory and OncoHelix.
5
Genomic Testing
Genomic testing is performed by OncoHelix, with results typically available approximately 21 days after the laboratory receives the sample.
Genomic testing is performed by OncoHelix, with results typically available approximately 21 days after the laboratory receives the sample.
6
Genomic Results
Results are shared with the ordering physician and patient. The healthcare provider reviews the report and discusses next steps with the patient.
Results are shared with the ordering physician and patient. The healthcare provider reviews the report and discusses next steps with the patient.
A Partnership Built to Launch Access
My CANcer Code is delivered by Pancreatic Cancer North America in partnership with OncoHelix, a Canadian leader in genomic diagnostics.
PCNA is helping remove barriers to advanced genomic testing while providing wraparound support, trusted resources, and patient-centred services that help individuals and loved ones navigate pancreatic cancer care across Canada.
OncoHelix works with healthcare providers across Canada to deliver genomic testing that supports more informed decisions in oncology care.
PCNA is helping remove barriers to advanced genomic testing while providing wraparound support, trusted resources, and patient-centred services that help individuals and loved ones navigate pancreatic cancer care across Canada.
OncoHelix works with healthcare providers across Canada to deliver genomic testing that supports more informed decisions in oncology care.
Together, Pancreatic Cancer North America and OncoHelix are helping make precision care more accessible for pancreatic cancer patients across Canada.
With Gratitude
The My CANcer Code pilot is made possible by a founding investment from The Connor Page Fund for Improved Access to Clinical Trials. Established in Connor’s memory after his death from pancreatic cancer at the age of 41, the fund honours his commitment to helping others facing the disease.
Today, that legacy lives on by helping expand access to advanced genomic testing for eligible pancreatic cancer patients across Canada. Learn more about Connor's story and how to support the fund.
Today, that legacy lives on by helping expand access to advanced genomic testing for eligible pancreatic cancer patients across Canada. Learn more about Connor's story and how to support the fund.
“Throughout his journey, it was so important to Connor to help others with pancreatic cancer.”
— Connor’s wife, Pancreatic Cancer North America partner and advocate Jen Lovrics
Resources and Next Steps
Read the FAQs
Find answers to common questions about eligibility, testing options, timelines, and results.
Related PCNA Resources
Created to support patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals as they navigate pancreatic cancer care.
Contact PCNA
Have questions about getting started? The PCNA Path to Precision (P2P) team can help you navigate the process.