About
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is a national nonprofit based in El Segundo, California, that leads the fight against one of the world's deadliest cancers. Founded in 1999, PanCAN advances scientific research, provides direct services to patients and families, advocates for federal research funding, and builds a nationwide community of supporters, with a vision of creating a world where pancreatic cancer patients thrive and a goal of reaching a 20% five-year survival rate by 2030.
Mission
To take bold action to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, sharing knowledge, advocating for patients, and building community.
What they do
- Patient Services: free, direct support including case management, treatment resources, clinical trial information, and nutrition guidance, available in English and Spanish.
- Research: funding scientific discoveries and running strategic research initiatives to accelerate progress against pancreatic cancer.
- Advocacy: grassroots efforts to increase federal research funding for pancreatic cancer.
- Community: nationwide volunteer networks and fundraising events, including the flagship PurpleStride events.
History
PanCAN was founded in 1999 by Pamela Acosta Marquardt, inspired by her mother's pancreatic cancer diagnosis. President and CEO Julie Fleshman has led the organization for more than 25 years.
Scale and impact
According to PanCAN, the organization has invested over $200 million in pancreatic cancer research and has helped increase the National Cancer Institute's annual pancreatic cancer research funding more than 12-fold since 1999. Its PurpleStride community events raised over $17 million in the past year, and the organization has held a four-star Charity Navigator rating for 20 consecutive years.
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending June 2025 the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Inc (EIN 33-0841281) reported total revenue of $42,225,147, total expenses of $47,597,101, and net assets of $30,523,316. President and CEO Julie Fleshman received $586,305 in compensation plus $78,045 in other benefits. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose federal tax exemption was issued in September 1999.
Governance
PanCAN is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization led by President and CEO Julie Fleshman and headquartered in El Segundo, California.