Survivorship and pancreatic cancer: the role of advocacy.

The past 20 years have witnessed important changes in the manner in which many people with cancer are opting to deal with their disease. In the past, patients yielded to their physicians' treatment choices and assumed that they would be told all they needed to know about their condition. Today, many people with cancer are taking more active, assertive roles, demanding second opinions and treatment option information, and seeking partnerships with their physicians in making decisions and managing their overall health-care programs. This article describes the growing cancer survivorship movement, explores the varying levels of involvement that people with pancreatic cancer may choose, and highlights resources available to help individuals and their families hone their survival skills.