FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. JOHN’S, NL – February 15, 2024 – The Heather Cutler Foundation today announces that Petition E-5186 has surpassed 200 signatures, marking progress in the effort to improve pancreatic cancer care in Canada. On the heels of confirming it's first in-person advocacy campaign in St. John's the foundation kindly reminds the public that the petition, which calls for national pancreatic cancer care guidelines, including biomarker and genetic testing at diagnosis and improved access to clinical trials, remains open for signing until April 3, 2024.
As support grows, the foundation encourages Canadians to sign and share the petition to highlight the need for action on healthcare disparities, particularly in smaller provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador.
Statements
“Reaching 200 signatures is a meaningful milestone, but continued support is needed to ensure policymakers recognize the urgency of this issue,” -- Christopher Cutler, Founder.
“Pancreatic cancer patients in smaller provinces face significant barriers to testing, clinical trials, and treatment. This petition represents a collective effort to push for systemic improvements.” --Director, Bethany Cutler
Details on e-5186
Pancreatic cancer is projected to become a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Canada, yet there is no national framework to ensure that patients receive biomarker and genetic testing at diagnosis—a critical step in accessing personalized treatment and clinical trials.
Petition E-5186 calls for:
- National pancreatic cancer care guidelines to address disparities in access to testing and treatment.
- Standardized biomarker and genetic testing at diagnosis to expand treatment options.
- Improved access to clinical trials, particularly for residents in smaller provinces.
With the April 3, 2024, deadline approaching, efforts to raise awareness and increase signatures continue.
Photo Gallery
Honourable Seamus O'Regan, MP for St. John's South--Mount Pearl
A visual play on the reality that Canadians in smaller provinces are experiencing: A country where clinical trial participation is a privilege instead of a right.
Next Steps & Accountability
Beyond securing signatures, establishing tracking and accountability mechanisms will be key to ensuring long-term improvements in pancreatic cancer care.
The foundation calls for:
- Annual progress reports tracking developments in clinical trial access, guideline adoption, and drug approval timelines.
- Patient impact assessments evaluating how policy changes affect patient outcomes and identifying areas for improvement.
- Recognition programs for provinces that implement national guidelines and improve access to care.
These measures would help ensure that commitments translate into meaningful advancements for patients.
Call to Action 📢
With over 200 signatures, the foundation encourages further support before the April 3 deadline.
📢 Sign e-5186 on Our Commons
📢 Watch: Latest Advocacy Video
By signing and sharing Petition E-5186, Canadians contribute to the call for a national approach that ensures equitable pancreatic cancer care.
About The Heather Cutler Foundation
The Heather Cutler Foundation, founded in 2024, works to eliminate disparities in pancreatic cancer care. Inspired by Heather Cutler’s experience as both a caregiver and patient, the foundation advocates for systemic improvements in healthcare access across Canada.
Key Accomplishments
- Combined petition signatures: 1,141 and growing
- Partnered with the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition to amplify advocacy efforts.
- Over $14,000 raised for research iniatives.
- Launching first awareness event in home province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
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