Petitions have long been a tool for everyday people to demand change, amplify their voices, and push policies forward. But when it comes to complex issues like pancreatic cancer care in Canada—where outcomes remain devastatingly poor—can a petition make a real impact?
At The Heather Cutler Foundation, alongside 186 members of our community (and counting), we’re championing Petition e-5186. This petition calls on the federal government to step up:
- Introduce national pancreatic cancer guidelines
- Expand access to clinical trials (especially for those in smaller provinces)
- Speed up drug approvals for life-saving treatments like Onivyde
But will signing this petition lead to systemic change? Or is it just a symbolic act? Let’s dig in.
Petitions: A Voice, A Movement, A Demand for Action
Petitions aren’t just about adding your name to a list. They’re about making noise in places where silence has been the status quo. Here’s why they matter:
- They Shine a Spotlight – Pancreatic cancer is often overlooked, despite being one of the deadliest cancers in Canada. With a 10% five-year survival rate, raising awareness is critical.
- They Show Strength in Numbers – Governments act when they see public demand. A petition isn’t just a document—it’s a visible, undeniable sign that people care.
- They Create Accountability – Once a federal petition reaches 500 signatures, the government must respond. That means our concerns can’t be ignored.
For a disease like pancreatic cancer—where treatment access varies wildly by province and survival rates haven’t improved in decades—visibility is non-negotiable. A study out of Oxford University found some interesting realities:
- Almost all e-petitions (99.9%) fail to reach 100,000 signatures.
- The first 24 hours are crucial. Petitions that succeed typically gain at least 3,000 signatures within the first 10 hours.
- People are more likely to sign petitions that already have high numbers of signatures much like how popular songs attract more listeners. Doesn’t mean they’re better, but they’re more popular.
Then we can assume that momentum is everything. If a petition fails to take off early, it is unlikely to gain that widespread traction.
Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy: What’s Worked Before?
Advocacy works. We’ve seen it before. It’s not just a catchphrase—it’s a proven truth. Time and time again, we’ve witnessed the power of collective action to change the course of policy, spark funding for critical research, and even reshape public behaviour. But how do we judge the efficiency of a petition?
PANCAN’s Advocacy in the U.S.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has been a force in securing federal funding for pancreatic cancer research. Through relentless lobbying and public pressure, PanCAN helped increase U.S. federal research funding from $17.3 million in 1999 to $177.9 million by 2017. Their success highlights how sustained advocacy, coupled with petitions and strategic alliances, can drive real change.
PanCAN and its signature fundraising event PurpleStride has been a transformative force in advancing pancreatic cancer research through its significant fundraising and awareness efforts.
Through tireless lobbying and grassroots action, PanCAN helped boost federal research funding from $17.3 million in 1999 to $177.9 million by 2017. That’s a tenfold increase, achieved through a mix of public pressure, strategic alliances, and a refusal to take no for an answer.
Argentina‘s Diabetes Law Petition: A Fight for Modern Treatment
Argentina— 2013, a mother with a child who has diabetes. The country’s Diabetes Protection Law was outdated—referencing syringes while ignoring modern treatments like insulin pens, pumps, and continuous glucose monitors. This meant many with diabetes couldn’t access current care simply because the law hadn’t kept up with medical advancements.
Determined to change this, she launched a petition: “Por nuestros hijos, nueva de Ley de Diabetes” (“For our children, a new Diabetes Law”). It wasn’t just about signatures—it was about showing lawmakers that people were watching, demanding action. Nearly 79,000 people signed, and the pressure worked. This wasn’t just a policy shift—it was a win for every person with diabetes in Argentina. It proved that healthcare laws aren’t set in stone and that when enough people speak up, governments have to listen.
3.The Ice Bucket Challenge (2014)
While not a petition, the Ice Bucket Challenge exemplifies how public engagement can drive meaningful change. What started as a viral social media campaign turned into a $115 million fundraising movement for ALS research. This effort showcased how widespread participation and advocacy can lead to substantial financial and policy commitments toward medical research.
4. 19 to Zero Campaign (Canada, 2020)
Similarly, 19 to Zero was not a petition but a strategic public engagement initiative focused on changing perceptions and behaviors around COVID-19 health measures and vaccinations. Through data-driven marketing, it successfully increased vaccine uptake and adherence to public health guidelines across Canada.
These cases highlight that while petitions are a specific form of advocacy, they work best when paired with broader awareness campaigns, media engagement, and political advocacy to drive real change.
Now, contrast that with Canada.
- Limited Clinical Trial Access – Many Canadians, especially in smaller provinces, can’t get into trials that could change their outcomes.
- No National Guidelines – Without standardized genetic and somatic testing guidelines, patients miss out on personalized treatment options.
- Financial Barriers – The cost of traveling for treatment is staggering, leaving many without access to the best care.
- Approval Delays – Drugs like Onivyde remain stuck in bureaucracy, while patients are running out of time.
This is why Petition e-5186 matters. At 500 signatures, it will be presented in the House of Commons by MP Seamus O’ Regan, a crucial step in making pancreatic cancer an issue Parliament must address.
Because here’s the truth: people can’t fix a problem they don’t see.
Can This Petition Actually Succeed?
Petitions aren’t magic wands. They don’t guarantee change overnight. But history shows us that they can work—when paired with a broader strategy. A petition on its own may not create immediate policy shifts, but it serves as a visible demonstration of public demand, which can be leveraged to push decision-makers to act.
Successful petitions are often part of a larger movement that includes:
- Public Support & Momentum – Every signature represents a person demanding change, creating a collective voice too loud to ignore. When supported by rallies, awareness campaigns, and media coverage, petitions signal to decision-makers that action is needed.
- Political Will – A petition alone doesn’t change laws, but it can help build political pressure. Identifying champions in government—whether MPs, senators, or policymakers—ensures that public demand is translated into policy discussions and legislative proposals.
- Strategic Advocacy – The most impactful petitions don’t just collect names; they are part of a broader advocacy push. This includes engaging media, mobilizing grassroots support, lobbying policymakers, and maintaining public pressure until real action is taken.
While a petition might be the first step, it’s never the last. It must be reinforced with persistent advocacy, targeted outreach, and unwavering pressure to drive real, lasting change.
Xianjie Li
Why This Petition Matters (And Why You Should Sign It)
Pancreatic cancer patients face unique challenges that require urgent attention—delayed access to innovative treatments, financial barriers to clinical trials, and inconsistent care standards across provinces. Petition e-5186 represents more than just a list of demands; it is a lifeline for patients navigating an often-overwhelmed healthcare system.
Christopher Cutler
The Heather Cutler Foundation has already made strides in raising awareness through initiatives like Kicking PancreAS and its Intro to Advocacy series. But systemic change requires government action—and that starts with ensuring Petition e-5186 reaches Parliament.
The Broader Impact of Advocacy Efforts
Even if Petition e-5186 does not immediately result in legislative changes, its impact should not be underestimated:
• It raises awareness about pancreatic cancer among policymakers and the general public.
• It builds momentum for future advocacy efforts by highlighting systemic gaps in care.
• It fosters community solidarity among patients, families, and advocates who share a common goal.
Ultimately, advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint—and every step forward matters.
What Can You Do?
If you believe in this cause, here’s how you can help:
1. Sign Petition e-5186: Every signature brings us closer to formal parliamentary presentation.
2. Share the Petition: Spread the word among friends, family, and colleagues.
3. Engage with Policymakers: Write to your local MP expressing your support for the petition.
4. Support Advocacy Efforts: Participate in events like Kicking PancreAS or donate to organizations like Craig’s Cause or the Heather Cutler Foundation.
Together, we can turn awareness into action—and action into meaningful change for pancreatic cancer patients across Canada.
A Final Word on Hope
Heather Cutler herself embodied resilience and hope throughout her battle with pancreatic cancer—a legacy that her family continues through their advocacy work. While petitions may seem like small steps in the face of such overwhelming challenges, they represent something much larger: a collective voice demanding better care and brighter futures for those affected by this devastating disease.
Petition e-5186 is a step, not the finish line. It’s a reminder that even in the face of a system that’s failed too many, there’s still room for change. But change doesn’t happen on its own. It takes commitment, focus, and the will to keep pushing even when things get tough. For those living with pancreatic cancer, this fight is far from over.
