The historic association between DCWC and WEHI has been incredibly productive. DCWC was involved in the institute’s initial development in 1981 and its subsequent redevelopment in 2012. Our team also provided Quantity Surveying services for their early learning centre, completed in 2017.
DCWC has been a longstanding philanthropic supporter of WEHI. Over the past decade, we have donated a total of $390,000 to support their pancreatic cancer research.
"Pancreatic cancer is fast becoming the Cancer of our Generation." - source: PanKind.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the lower part of the stomach. The pancreas plays an essential role in digestion by producing enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food and generating hormones that help manage blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic cancer is known for being particularly aggressive, often showing few symptoms in its early stages, leading to late diagnosis. As the cancer progresses, it can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice and changes in stool.
The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not entirely understood, but factors such as smoking, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, family history, and certain genetic syndromes can increase the risk of developing this disease.
Australian statistics
Pancreatic cancer in Australia has a significant impact, with concerning statistics from 2023:
It is estimated that there were 4,506 new cases, breaking down to 2,355 males and 2,151 females. This represents 2.7% of all new cancer diagnoses.
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer was also responsible for 3,669 deaths, accounting for 7.2% of all cancer-related deaths, with 1,905 males and 1,764 females affected.
Individuals diagnosed between 2015 and 2019 have only a 13% chance of surviving five years after their diagnosis.
The prevalence of this cancer increases with age, and in 2019, pancreatic cancer was the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. There is a 1 in 70 chance of being diagnosed by age 85. It's estimated to the second most commonly diagnosed cancer by 2030.
The survival rate for pancreatic cancer is significantly lower compared to other cancers, emphasising the severe prognosis and the urgent need for more effective treatments and early detection methods.
Towards a better future of people living with pancreatic cancer
WEHI’s Dr Tracy Putoczki and her team are leveraging cutting-edge organoids-based technology to better understand pancreatic cancer biology. This is helping to uncover new ways to combat this disease.
Organoids are miniature, lab-grown replicas of cancer patients’ tumours. As organoids mimic a patient’s own cancer, they can be used to accelerate scientific discoveries as well as enable a more personalised approach to therapy for each individual pancreatic cancer patient. This research gives hope of improved quality of life and improved survival for people living with pancreatic cancer.
L-R: Dr Belinda Lee, Dr Tracy Putoczki, Jane Hemstritch AO, Clara Kosasih. Image courtesy of WEHI.
In 2024, the Hemstritch Centre of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer Research at WHEI was created to support Dr Putoczki and her team of scientists and clinicians with sustained funding to tackle ambitious research questions, aiming to make significant strides in combating what is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia by 2030. This initiative was made possible by an $8M philanthropic investment over 10 years from Australian business leader and WEHI President Jane Hemstritch AO.
About WEHI
Founded in 1915, WEHI is Australia's oldest and longest-serving medical research institute. For over a century, WEHI researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of cancer, infectious diseases, immune disorders, developmental disorders, and healthy aging. Utilising advanced technologies and fostering collaborative networks, WEHI unites multidisciplinary teams of world-leading experts from various scientific disciplines, all dedicated to creating a brighter and healthier future for everyone. Learn more about WEHI.
.svg)