FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE KILLER DISEASE: PANCREATIC CANCER

The Most Lethal Cancer Has the Least Funding

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Releases Facts for 2003

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. U.S.A. (April 2, 2003) - Approximately 30,700 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year in the United States, and the majority-30,000 men and women-will die, according to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). PanCAN is the first national patient-based advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community, including patients, families, medical researchers and physicians. Despite the fact that 99 percent of pancreatic cancer sufferers die, the federal government invests less money in pancreatic cancer than any other leading cancer. "The statistics are compelling and impossible to ignore," says PanCAN Executive Director Julie Fleshman. "We must take action now."

The Most Lethal Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women. Of all cancers, pancreatic cancer is the most likely to kill. It carries the number one fatality rate of all cancers; in fact, the 99 percent mortality rate for pancreatic cancer is the highest of any cancer. In other words, the majority of people who get pancreatic cancer will die.

A Non-Discriminatory Killer
In America, one in three women, and one in two men, will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
Pancreatic Cancer does not discriminate by age, gender or race. Only 4 percent of patients will survive beyond five years. The average life expectancy after diagnosis with metastatic disease is under a year-only three to six months.

Research Spending is Lowest of Any Leading Cancer
Despite the especially lethal nature of pancreatic cancer, research spending per pancreatic cancer patient is only $779. This is the least amount of money spent per patient of any leading cancer. In 2002, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) spent 23.6 million dollars-less than 1 percent of its cancer research budget--on pancreatic cancer research. Due to limited funding, little research is underway. There are no effective early-detection methods and treatment options remain minimal.

Pancreatic Cancer Facts for 2003

• Pancreatic Cancer has the No. 1 fatality rate of all cancers.
• Pancreatic Cancer is the No. 4 cancer killer in the United States among both men   and women.
• Approximately 30,700 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year in the United States and 30,000 people will die.
• The 99% mortality rate for pancreatic cancer is the highest of any cancer.
• Pancreatic cancer does not discriminate by age, gender or race. Only 4% of patients will survive beyond five years.
• The average life expectancy after diagnosis with metastatic disease is just three to six months.
• Despite the especially lethal nature of pancreatic cancer, the research spending per pancreatic cancer patient is only $779, the lowest of any leading cancer.
• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) spent approximately 23.6 million dollars on pancreatic cancer research in 2002. This is just a mere 0.6 of 1% of the NCI's 4.190 billion dollar cancer research budget for 2002.
• No effective early detection methods have been developed. There are minimal treatment options available and very little research is under way due to limited research funding.

About PanCAN
PanCAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by surviving family members of individuals who died of pancreatic cancer. Chartered as a grassroots organization of advocacy for pancreatic cancer patients and their families, PanCAN currently has volunteers and members throughout the United States and around the world. PanCAN is the first, national public-benefit advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community. The organization works to focus national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, and provides public and professional education embracing the urgent need for more research, effective treatments, prevention programs and early detection methods. Visit www.pancan.org to obtain more information, e-mail info@pancan.org, or call 1-877-272-6226.

About ASCO
ASCO is the world's leading professional society of multidisciplinary medical professionals who treat people with cancer. ASCO's more than 20,000 members from the U.S. and abroad set the standard for patient care worldwide and lead the fight for more effective cancer treatments, increased funding for clinical and translational research, and, ultimately, cures for the many different cancers that strike 1.3 million Americans every year. ASCO publishes the semi-monthly Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO), the foremost, peer-reviewed journal focusing on clinical cancer research, and produces the award-winning website People Living With Cancer (www.plwc.org), which provides oncologist-vetted cancer information to help patients and families make informed healthcare decisions.

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Media Contacts:

Aaron Kiel
Public Relations Consultant for PanCAN
Phone: 562-983-8113
Email: akiel@akprgroup.com

Company Contacts:

Julie Fleshman
Executive Director, PanCAN
Phone: 310-725-0025
Email: jfleshman@pancan.org