The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Applauds Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-Ca.) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Fl.) for Introducing the First-Ever Substantive Pancreatic Cancer Legislation

The National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research Act (H.R. 7045) addresses the research gap for the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

pancan.org - September 26, 2008

(PRNewsChannel) / El Segundo, Calif. - The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure, applauds U.S. Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) for introducing the first legislation focused on reducing mortality for pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.  Once enacted and fully funded, The National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research Act, will provide a greater focus on this disease and will provide the National Cancer Institute with the tools it needs to develop the diagnostic methods and treatments that are currently lacking for pancreatic cancer patients. 

“The National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research Act is a critical step towards addressing the urgent needs of the pancreatic cancer research community,” stated Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “For too long pancreatic cancer has been the most under-funded, under-recognized and least-studied among leading cancer killers. On behalf of the entire pancreatic cancer community, we applaud Rep. Eshoo and Rep. Brown-Waite for their leadership on this important targeted research initiative that will give hope to tens of thousands of Americans diagnosed with this disease.”

In 2008, over 38,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and nearly 34,000 will die. The 5 year survival rate is less than 5 percent and has remained largely unchanged in the last thirty years.  Despite the sobering statistics, less than 2 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s federal research funding is currently allocated to pancreatic cancer.

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.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Reeves
Public Relations Manager
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-321-6542
Email:

Source Web Site: pancan.org