Frequently asked questions

Pancreatic cancer is relentless. More than 7,100 Canadians will be diagnosed this year, and 6,100 will die. The five-year survival rate remains only 10%, barely changed in 50 years.  

At the same time, the number of younger patients is rising. Women under 55 are seeing one of the steepest increases in incidence. Gen-Xers and Millennials face higher risks than previous generations.

To fundamentally change outcomes for this disease, more must be done. A significant shift in thinking and investment needs to happen now.  Pancreatic Cancer Canada is dedicated to funding innovative research, raising awareness about the disease and improving quality of life for patients and their families.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is an annual global event on Thursday, November 20, 2025. It’s a day to raise awareness, honour those we’ve lost, and demand improved survival rates for those facing this disease. 

This day brings together 30 countries across 6 continents, with over 80 organizations all committed to reaching one shared goal: to change the course of pancreatic cancer for everyone now and in the future. 

• Make a donation. Your gift can help us to shift the narrative around pancreatic cancer from the well-held notion that it is a death sentence, to it being a treatable and survivable cancer. 

• Join a community event. Find events happening in a city/town near you.

• Host your own fundraiser. Create an event in your community to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer and funds to advance advocacy, support services and innovative research.

• Follow us. Follow Pancreatic Cancer Canada on social media and post your photos using the hashtags #PancreaticCancerAwarenessMonth and #SurvivalNotSympathy. 

• Start a conversation. Get your network talking about pancreatic cancer by posting on social media. You can share your own connection to the disease, educate others on the signs and symptoms, or reshare posts from our social media pages. 

• Engage your community. Ask your town or city to make a Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month proclamation during council proceedings to officially recognize this disease and its significance for members of the community.  

A community fundraiser is an event or initiative organized by individuals, corporations, or community groups to raise money in support of Pancreatic Cancer Canada (PCC). 

Yes. All fundraisers must be reviewed and approved by PCC. By registering your fundraiser on the Funraise for Survival platform, you will be asked to sign an agreement outlining the terms and conditions of hosting a fundraiser. Following your registration, you will be contacted by a representative at Pancreatic Cancer Canada to help support you on your fundraising journey. 

You can get creative! Popular community fundraisers include: 

• Walks, runs, and bike rides 

• Golf tournaments and sports challenges 

• Personal fundraising challenges (birthdays, anniversaries, fitness goals) 

• Workplace or school events 

• Dinner parties, concerts, or auctions 

As long as your fundraiser reflects PCC’s mission and values, we’d love to support you. PCC may decline involvement in fundraisers that don’t align with our mission. Check out who is fundraising now for some inspiration, or download our fundraising toolkit for more ideas.

Organizers are responsible for: 

• Following PCC’s Community Fundraising Policy 

• Obtaining and paying for all necessary permits and licenses (raffles, 50/50 draws, lotteries, alcohol sales, etc.) 

• Complying with all laws and regulations tied to those permits

PCC may issue charitable receipts if: 

• The donation is $20 CAD or more 

• Complete documentation is provided to PCC 

• The donation qualifies under Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) rules 

• Any benefits received by the donor (tickets, meals, entertainment, gift bags, etc.) are deducted from the receiptable amount 

• Goods-in-kind may be receipted if their fair market value is $500 or more and supported by two independent appraisals 

• Services (time, labour, expertise) cannot be receipted 

• Event-related purchases (food, drinks, prizes, auction items) are not receiptable

• Provide PCC with a donor report including: 

• Donor names and full mailing addresses 

• Donation amounts and payment methods 

• Donor emails and phone numbers (if available) 

• Include details about any benefits donors received, with documentation to support valuations 

• Yes, if no benefits are provided (e.g. a simple online donation) 

• If benefits are involved (tickets, meals, etc.), receipts will only be issued once financial reporting is completed and verified by PCC 

Organizers must keep records of all revenues and expenses, and submit: 

• Net proceeds from the fundraiser 

• A financial report with full details of revenues, expenses, and donor benefits

PCC can support your efforts in the following ways: 

• Review your fundraiser idea and provide guidance 

• Access to planning templates and toolkits

• Provide online fundraising support through our Fundraise for Survival platform  

• Provide limited use of PCC’s name and logo once your fundraiser is approved 

Please note: The PCC team is available to support your fundraising efforts but is not able to take on logistical responsibilities for community fundraisers.  

Funds from community fundraisers directly support PCC’s work in three key areas: 

• Research into early detection and treatment to improve survival rates 

• Support for patients and caregivers, offering resources and services to help them navigate diagnosis and care 

• Advocacy and awareness, ensuring pancreatic cancer gets the attention and funding it urgently needs 

If you have any questions about your fundraiser, please get in touch with Melissa McGillivray, Development Coordinator (info@pancreaticcancercanada.ca)  

Pancreatic Cancer Canada Foundation 
316-4211 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2P 2A9 
📞 1-888-726-2269 
📧 info@pancreaticcancercanada.ca 

Charitable Registration Number: 84870 1967 RR0001