"In this time when I feel like I am falling, waiting for help, it is so beyond appreciated that you are here.”
‍- Ask an Expert Service User

Many patients and caregivers describe the period following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis as disorienting and filled with urgent questions and uncertainty about what to ask or where to turn.

We know that navigating healthcare systems is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Factors such as geography, language, familiarity with the healthcare system, and the ability to self-advocate all shape how easily someone can access care. For people facing a disease that progresses quickly and is often diagnosed at a late stage, these barriers can profoundly affect treatment options and outcomes.

That is where our Ask an Expert service plays a critical role.

In 2026, we are expanding patient support programs to strengthen the standard of care for people affected by pancreatic cancer, with a focus on reaching underserved communities across Canada.  At the centre of this work is the continued growth of Ask an Expert, allowing us to respond to more inquiries, provide more comprehensive follow-up support, and reach individuals living in underserved and rural communities.

Ask an Expert provides personalized, one-on-one support to patients, caregivers, and loved ones through phone and email. Individuals can ask questions about diagnoses, treatment options, clinical trials, second opinions, hereditary risk, symptom management, and supportive care.

In 2025, the most common inquiries focused on diagnosis and treatment, clinical trials, and genetic testing, reflecting how often individuals reach out at pivotal decision points in their care. Nearly 60% of inquiries came from caregivers or loved ones, underscoring the service’s vital role in supporting the broader circle of care, not just patients.

Last year, Ask an Expert saw a10% increase in inquiries compared to the previous year. This growing demand reflects both the complexity of pancreatic cancer and the urgent need for timely, specialized guidance. Many individuals require ongoing follow-up and navigation support, reinforcing the importance of continued program expansion.

Access to pancreatic cancer care remains uneven across Canada. Depending on where someone lives, they may face longer wait times for diagnostic imaging, limited access to specialists, or significant travel to reach treatment centres. For families already navigating an overwhelming diagnosis, these barriers can add stress and confusion and delay critical care.

For individuals exploring clinical trials, seeking second opinions, or navigating care from rural or underserved regions, Ask an Expert helps bridge these gaps by providing trusted information, navigation support, and virtual connections to specialized care. The program also supports important conversations around quality of life, palliative care, and end-of-life planning, empowering individuals to make informed decisions aligned with their values.

The impact of these supports continues to grow. In 2025, our patient and community support programming reached 639 individuals across Canada, a 46% increase from 2024. Our team supported our community through more than 1,500 interactions with patients, caregivers, and loved ones, representing a 37% increase from the previous year. We also shared more than 400 tailored resources and referrals to help individuals access specialized care, supportive services, and trusted information.

Behind each of these numbers is an individual or support network searching for clarity, reassurance, and guidance during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. This service is sustained by a community of donors united by the belief that no one should have to navigate pancreatic cancer alone.

As demand for patient navigation and support continues to rise, sustained investment in programs and services like Ask an Expert is essential. Together, we are improving care experiences, reducing disparities in access, and helping patients and their loved ones make informed decisions at every stage, bringing us closer to a future where more people survive pancreatic cancer.