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:
Aaron Kiel/Jennifer Beaver
PanCAN Public Relations
Phone: 562-983-8113 / 562-983-8117
Email: akiel@akprgroup.com
Email: jbeaver@akprgroup.com
Company Contacts:
Julie Fleshman
PanCAN President & CEO
Phone: 310-725-0025
Email: jfleshman@pancan.org
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