“We appreciate President Obama’s proposed budget that will prevent medical research from slipping backward during these tough economic times and many challenges facing our nation. The cancer research budget he proposes calls for a 3.16 percent increase.  The president’s proposed budget represents an important marker in favor of progress, a marker that we hope Congress will build upon. 

“Even in difficult budget times, few can challenge the dividends of cancer research; including advances in research that lead to better survival rates and the creation of jobs in the scientific community.  As a result of past investments, overall cancer incidence in the US has been falling since 1999, largely because of declines in the most common cancers, such as breast, colorectal and prostate cancers due to early detection tools and treatments that were developed.  In addition, 325,000 scientists and research personnel at more than 3,000 institutions across the country and approximately 50,000 jobs in research have been saved or created thanks in part to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Despite improved survival rates for many other forms of cancer, pancreatic cancer remains the only major cancer with a single digit five year survival rate at just five percent.  A primary factor in this lack of progress is the fact that pancreatic cancer accounts for less than 2 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s research portfolio.  As a result, over 42,000 Americans will be stricken with pancreatic cancer this year and 76 percent will die within the first year of diagnosis.

“The number of pancreatic cancer cases was expected to increase by 12 percent last year and pancreatic cancer incidence is expected to increase 55 percent by 2030.  It is essential that we make the investments now to develop the needed tools to deal with the future. 

“We need a sustained research effort targeted on pancreatic cancer — the same way we made real progress with other leading cancer killers.  As a first step, the National Cancer Institute should increase its funding for pancreatic cancer research and develop a strategic plan that provides accountability for how the money will be spent.  To that end, we urge President Obama and Congress to pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (HR 745), comprehensive legislation that would speed the development of early detection tools, prevention and effective treatments for pancreatic cancer as well as provide sufficient funding and guidance to the National Cancer Institute to make it clear that this should be a top priority.”

Contact:
Jennifer Reeves
Public Relations Manager
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-321-6542
Email: jreeves@pancan.org

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network:
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization raises money for direct private funding of research—and advocates for more aggressive federal research funding of medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fills the void of information and options by giving patients and caregivers reliable, personalized information they need to make informed decisions. We create a sense of hope and community so no one has to face pancreatic cancer alone. The organization helps support individuals and communities all across the country work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.