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# National Pancreatic Cancer Petition e-5186 Gains Momentum
- URL: https://heathercutler.ca/national-pancreatic-cancer-petition-e-5186-gains-momentum/
- Published: 2024-11-30T03:10:57.000Z
- Updated: 2024-12-19T00:27:40.000Z
- Description: Pancreatic cancer petition e-5186 advances as Seamus O’Regan, MP, authorizes the call for equitable care and clinical trials.
- Author: The Heather Cutler Foundation
- Tags: Press Release, Petition, Seamus O'Regan

**St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – November 29, 2024** Petition **e-5186**, a critical initiative led by The Heather Cutler Foundation, has been authorized by the Honourable **Seamus O’Regan**, MP for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl and Minister of Labour. This significant step moves the petition to the Clerk of Petitions for further review.

The petition proposes actionable measures to improve pancreatic cancer care in Canada, where the disease continues to have a survival rate of only **10% over five years**. It emphasizes equitable access to genetic testing, clinical trials, and life-saving treatments for all Canadians, irrespective of geography or financial circumstances.

## **Key Objectives of Petition e-5186**

The petition highlights urgent changes needed in Canada’s healthcare system:

 • **National Testing Guidelines**: Standardize genetic and somatic testing protocols and ensure full government reimbursement for early detection and effective treatment.

 • **Clinical Trial Accessibility**: Reduce travel and lodging costs for patients and caregivers, ensuring equity for those in rural and underserved areas.

 • **Expedited Drug Approvals**: Implement clear timelines for funding negotiations for advanced treatments, such as Onivyde, with transparency in decision-making.

 • **Decentralized Clinical Trials**: Support Health Canada’s CRAFT framework to increase trial availability in remote and underserved regions.  

![Newfoundland’s Seamus 0’Regan in a dark suit and striped tie against autumn foliage, framed by decorative curves on purple background](https://heathercutler.ca/content/images/2024/12/The-Leadership-of-Newfoundland-and-Labradors-Seamus-ORegan.webp)

## **The Leadership of Seamus O’Regan**

Minister O’Regan, known for his commitment to systemic healthcare reform, has championed several initiatives to address healthcare disparities, including:

 • A **$256 million healthcare agreement** focused on mental health services, primary care access, and health data modernization.

 • A **$78 million Aging with Dignity agreement** to improve senior care and provide culturally appropriate services for Indigenous communities.

 • Advocacy for rural and underserved communities, addressing longstanding inequities in access to care.

>  
> “Pancreatic cancer patients deserve equitable access to advanced testing and treatment,” said **Christopher Cutler**, Founder of The Heather Cutler Foundation. “Seamus O’Regan’s leadership aligns with the urgent need for systemic change in Canada’s healthcare system.”

![Logo for Heather Cutler Foundation featuring a stylized pancreas icon in silver on a deep purple background with white text.](https://heathercutler.ca/content/images/2024/12/The-Heather-Cutler-Foundation-Logo-and-Company-Description.webp)

### **About The Heather Cutler Foundation**

The Heather Cutler Foundation, inspired by Heather Cutler—a registered nurse with over 35 years of service—is dedicated to addressing inequities in pancreatic cancer care. Heather’s journey as both a caregiver and patient revealed gaps in Canada’s healthcare system, particularly in smaller provinces, inspiring the foundation’s mission to create systemic change.

The foundation’s accomplishments include:

 • Raising over **$14,000** for pancreatic cancer research through campaigns like Craig’s Cause #KickingPancreAS.

 • Collecting over **800 signatures** in support of petition e-5186.

 • Partnering with the **World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition** to strengthen advocacy efforts.

By focusing on action-oriented solutions, the foundation continues to push for a future where all Canadians impacted by pancreatic cancer have access to the care they need.

![Christopher Cutler](https://heathercutler.ca/content/images/2024/12/IMG_3829-1.png) 

### Media Contact

Christopher Cutler

The Heather Cutler Foundation

(647) 221-6247

[press@heathercutler.ca](mailto:press@heathercutler.ca)