FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PANCREATIC CANCER RANKS AMONG DEADLIEST FOR MANY REASONS, SAYS PANCAN

PanCAN President and Founder Testifies on Lack of Progress
Being Made in Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Methods,
Research, Treatment Programs

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. U.S.A. (May 8, 2003) - Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) President and Founder Paula Kim said there are many reasons why pancreatic cancer still ranks among the deadliest cancers. Kim testified yesterday before the subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations. PanCAN is the first national patient-based advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community, including patients, families, medical researchers and physicians.

In her testimony, Kim said that only 10 fully-funded researchers exist nationwide who are 100 percent dedicated to pancreatic cancer, and there are limited funding opportunities for researchers who want to study the disease. “The combination of few dollars and few researchers means there has been very little scientific research,” said Kim.

Kim outlined opportunities for the federal government to take action to facilitate progress in combating the disease, including providing adequate funding and creating ways to attract early and experienced investigators to the field of pancreatic cancer.

“Our goal is to make inroads against this disease so that in the near future the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer will no longer be a virtual death sentence,” said Kim.

Facts About Pancreatic Cancer

• 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.
• Research spending per pancreatic cancer fatality is only $779, the     lowest of any leading cancer.
• No effective early detection methods have been developed. There are     minimal treatment options available.

Important information and guidance is available to pancreatic cancer patients and their families through PanCAN's Patient and Liaison Services (PALS). Call 877-272-6226 or e-mail medinfo@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. 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