Urgent Need For Pancreatic Cancer Legislation

From Pan Can ...

Federal Research Funding Analysis Highlights
Urgent Need For Pancreatic Cancer Legislation

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and
Leonard Lance (R-NJ) Re-introduce the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has released a report, "Pancreatic Cancer: A trickle of federal funding for a river of need", that calls attention to the serious lack of federal resources allocated to pancreatic cancer research which underscores the urgent need for legislation as lawmakers re-introduce the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act on February 16, 2011 on Capitol Hill.

Sen. Whitehouse (D-RI) and Reps. Eshoo (D-CA) and Lance (R-NJ) will be joined by Lisa Niemi Swayze, wife of actor Patrick Swayze, to announce the re-introduction of the bill. Once enacted and fully funded, the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act will ensure that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) takes the necessary steps to address the astounding mortality of pancreatic cancer by developing a long-term comprehensive strategic plan targeting the disease so patient outcomes will improve in the years to come.

"For 40 years, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer has remained in the single digits–despite an increase in the incidence of the disease, despite the fact that it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death and at a time when significant progress has been made on other cancers," stated Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "The survival rate for pancreatic cancer has remained relatively the same because the federal government's approach to pancreatic cancer has been relatively the same–provide a trickle of research funding as a response to a river of need."

"Today, the five year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is a dismal six percent. We must work together to change this deadly statistic and the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act is a vital step towards saving the lives of those affected by this devastating disease," stated Rep. Eshoo.

Click to read the press release
Click to read summary of the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act
Click to read Pancreatic Cancer: A trickle of federal funding for a river of need