FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER
IS PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
The
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Spreads the Word
About the 4 th Leading Cause of Cancer Death in the U.S.
EL
SEGUNDO, Calif. U.S.A. (Nov. 1, 2004) —
Do you know the facts about pancreatic cancer? Across the country,
many lives have been touched by this disease, which has the # 1
fatality rate of all leading cancers. During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Month in November, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)
and its supporters will get the facts out to help raise awareness
and increase research for pancreatic cancer, the 4 th leading cause
of cancer death in the United States. PanCAN is the first national
patient advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community,
including patients, families, medical researchers and physicians.
Approximately 31,860
people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year in the
United States, according to PanCAN. No effective early detection
methods have been developed, there are minimal treatment options
available and very little research is under way due to limited funding.
“During November,
our supporters and volunteers work tirelessly to raise awareness
and funding for the fight against pancreatic cancer,” said
Julie Fleshman, PanCAN president and CEO. “Though the statistics
are grim, we remain confident that both a cure and an early detection
method will eventually result from our collective efforts. At PanCAN,
we offer our message of hope to pancreatic cancer patients, their
families and the medical community by providing the most current
information and one-on-one support.”
Pancreatic Cancer Facts for 2004
- In America, one in three women, and one in two men will be
diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
- Approximately 31,860 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic
cancer this year in the United States and 31,270 people will die.
- Pancreatic cancer has the #1 fatality rate of all cancers.
- Pancreatic cancer is the #4 cancer killer in the United States.
- The 99% mortality rate for pancreatic cancer is the highest
of any cancer.
- Pancreatic cancer does not discriminate by age, gender or race
and only 4% of patients will survive beyond 5 years.
- The average life expectancy after diagnosis with metastatic
disease is just 3-6 months.
- An estimated 36.5 million dollars was spent on pancreatic cancer
research in 2003 of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI)
cancer research budget. This is just a mere 0.8 of 1% of the NCI’s
4.592 billion dollar cancer research budget for 2003.
- Despite the especially lethal nature of pancreatic cancer, the
research spending per pancreatic cancer patient is only $1145,
the lowest of any leading cancer.
PanCAN offers Patient
and Liaison Services (PALS), a free, innovative and comprehensive
program for pancreatic cancer patients, their families and health
professionals. PALS Associates provide extensive patient information
and guidance one-on-one to help people learn about and understand
options so they can discuss them with their medical care teams and
loved ones. PALS Associates are available Monday through Friday
from 9:00am – 5:00pm PST at 877-272-6226, or visit the website
at www.pancan.org.
About PanCAN
PanCAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by
surviving family members of individuals who died of pancreatic cancer.
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.
# # #
Media Contacts:
Aimee Frank
Spectrum Science Communications
Phone: 202-955-6222 x2527
Email: afrank@spectrumscience.com
Erika Borodinsky
Spectrum Science Communications
Phone: 202-955-6222 x2517
Email: eborodinsky@spectrumscience.com
Company Contacts:
Julie Fleshman
PanCAN President & CEO
Phone: 310-725-0025
Email: jfleshman@pancan.org
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