ACPMP - Appendix Cancer / Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation

02/28/2026

On , we’re proud to spotlight a new CME (Continuing Medical Education) course developed in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin: The Neoplastic Appendix: When to Watch, When to Act, When to Refer.

The course is led by Ugwuji Maduekwe, MD, a surgical oncologist and appendix cancer specialist, and is designed to help physicians and advanced practice providers better distinguish between benign, inflammatory, and neoplastic appendiceal conditions, and understand when referral to a specialist matters most.

Whether you’re in primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, radiology, or any other medical specialty, this course provides practical, evidence-informed guidance you can apply right away.

• Free credit available
• Focused on real clinical decision-making
• Built specifically for rare appendix cancers and PMP

Register here: https://ocpe.mcw.edu/node/229093...

02/28/2026

It’s Rare Disease Day!

Today, we honor and stand with everyone affected by rare diseases, including the appendix cancer community. Rare Disease Day reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a community pushing for answers.

Let’s come together to raise awareness, share knowledge, and support one another.

Learn more: https://acpmp.org/event/rare-disease-day-2026/

Rare Disease Day National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD)

02/27/2026

Tomorrow, Feb 28th will once again mark Rare Disease Day, a global campaign celebrated on the last day of February each year (the rarest day on the calendar) to raise awareness about the more than 7,000 rare diseases – including appendix cancer and pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).

Learn more: https://acpmp.org/event/rare-disease-day-2026/

02/26/2026

🎗️August is recognized as Appendix Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of our associate, Richard Thoma, VP of Regional Sales, we have donated to the ACPMP Research Foundation.

02/26/2026

Today is the day! 🔬

Join us at 7 PM EST for a deep dive into the DECISIVE Study's 1-year findings and a look ahead to what comes next for the DECISIVE team as they work to build decision aids and resources for individuals and their loved ones considering cytoreductive surgery and the clinicians caring for them.

This is a unique opportunity to hear the latest research directly from the team and get your questions answered during our live Q&A.

💻 Register: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ApVvu41z6PNLXtaab4pBIr08TtsXwGk2jflk5knO60eFoA5CRFFf~AudZRYn2R778AUvQYeiNagOH16Mw26Mk4TcP6DHJmW1riAqd4eF01VWQTg

02/25/2026

🔬 DECISIVE Study Webinar – Free & Open to All

Hear the 1-year findings from the DECISIVE study, exploring the decision-making experiences with individuals with PMP and their caregivers considering cytoreductive surgery.

🗓 February 26 | 7 PM EST
💻 Register: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ApVvu41z6PNLXtaab4pBIr08TtsXwGk2jflk5knO60eFoA5CRFFf~AudZRYn2R778AUvQYeiNagOH16Mw26Mk4TcP6DHJmW1riAqd4eF01VWQTg

02/24/2026

"Scanxiety” is a word many people living with cancer already understand.

It describes the anxiety and uncertainty that can come before, during, and after scans, especially while waiting for results.

A recent study found that over 70% of patients experience scanxiety at clinically significant levels.

If this is something you’ve experienced, you’re not alone.

Read the article to learn more including practical tips for reducing scanxiety:

A new study finds many cancer patients experience high “scanxiety,” meaning distress before and after scans for recurrence or spread. About 70% reported clinically significant levels, prompting a question: when it’s this common, is it abnormal or expected?

02/20/2026

Today, on National Caregivers Day, we recognize the quiet heroes who stand beside those facing appendix cancer.

Your patience, strength, and unwavering support provide comfort, hope, and courage every day. You make an immeasurable difference in the lives of others.

Take a moment today to honor a caregiver in your life. Give a shout-out to them in the comments!

02/19/2026

In 2007, a group gathered for the very first walk: "Making a Difference for Dutch".

Dutch was Judy’s husband. When he passed away from appendix cancer, Judy and those closest to him wanted to do something meaningful in his memory.

They didn’t know if the walk would continue beyond that first year.

Judy recently reflected:

“In 2007 this sentiment was posted not knowing if the walk would continue. Not only has it continued, but has gone Global, with many survivors along with their family and friends attending walks or organizing their own. 20 Years later and we are still Making a Difference for Dutch and the Appendix Cancer Community.”

What began as a tribute to one life has grown into a global movement.

For our 20th Anniversary, we are bringing it full circle: 20 Years of Making a Difference.

Join the movement and help us choose the t-shirt that will carry this message forward. Voting ends March 1st. https://secure.acpmp.org/appendixcancerwalk2026

02/18/2026

The ACPMP Research Foundation was honored to once again sponsor the 2026 Society of Surgical Oncology Advanced Cancer Therapies (ACT) Conference, held February 14 to 16.

As part of our sponsorship, ACPMP proudly funds two 2026 SSO research grants dedicated solely to appendix cancer and pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Congratulations to:

• Beth Helmink, MD, PhD, recipient of the $100,000 Lisa Kurtz Luciano Appendix Cancer and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Clinical Investigator Award, in memory of our founder
• Jeremy Sharib, MD, recipient of the $25,000 Young Investigator Award focused on appendix cancer and PMP

We also congratulate the 10 researchers who received ACPMP travel grants to attend the conference and present their work. Their research spans diverse areas of inquiry, helping drive new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of appendix cancer.

Thank you to the Society of Surgical Oncology and to our Executive Director, Deborah Shelton, for their review and selection of this year’s award recipients.

Board Members Jim Carroll and Dustin Royster represented ACPMP at the conference, engaging with surgical oncologists and researchers dedicated to advancing care for appendix cancer and PMP.

We are deeply grateful to the clinicians and scientists working tirelessly to improve outcomes. And to the patients and caregivers whose courage and generosity make this work possible, thank you.

02/17/2026

Have you been diagnosed with cancer in the past two years and met with a surgeon to discuss possible surgery?

Researchers at the UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham are conducting an anonymous, IRB-approved survey to better understand how patients experience conversations about cancer surgery, especially whether what matters most to patients is addressed during treatment decision-making.

This study is particularly relevant for individuals who have discussed complex surgical procedures such as CRS/HIPEC.

🔎 Who can participate:
• Adults diagnosed with cancer within the past 2 years
• Have met with a surgeon to discuss possible cancer surgery

🕒 Time commitment: About 10 minutes
🔒 Anonymous and voluntary

Your perspective can help improve patient-centered communication for future patients.

Take the survey here:
https://uab.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1OmDi6x2VzojfmK

Study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (IRB-300015226-002).

Thank you for helping move research forward.

02/16/2026

Curious about cytoreductive surgery and the real experiences of PMP patients and caregivers? The DECISIVE study shares insights from over 140 individuals, highlighting challenges from diagnosis to recovery and daily life.

Join our free webinar on February 26 at 7 PM EST for findings, next steps, and a live Q&A with Dr. Godfrey and Dr. Aguirre.

💻 Sign up today: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ApVvu41z6PNLXtaab4pBIr08TtsXwGk2jflk5knO60eFoA5CRFFf~AudZRYn2R778AUvQYeiNagOH16Mw26Mk4TcP6DHJmW1riAqd4eF01VWQTg