FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Mourns the Loss of Luciano Pavarotti
World-renowned Opera Singer Dies from Pancreatic Cancer

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. USA (September 6, 2007) – The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) today expressed profound sadness and grief over the death of Luciano Pavarotti, the world-renowned opera singer who spent more than 40 years of his life sharing his musical gift with countless people. Pavarotti died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 71.

"The pancreatic cancer community is deeply saddened at the loss of Pavarotti, one of the greatest classical singers of all time and a generous man with an amazing spirit that touched countless lives. His commitment to giving back was shown year after year through his benefit concerts and the classes in which he taught youth studying opera," said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of PanCAN.

Pavarotti, known and revered for his strong tenor voice, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006 and underwent surgery in July of that year.

"Pavarotti’s death brings to light the desperate need for early detection, diagnostic tools and better treatment options for the deadliest of all cancers. Sadly, from a research perspective, pancreatic cancer receives the least amount of federal funding of any major cancer. We are in a situation where breast cancer research was in the 1930’s," continued Fleshman. "It’s important to know that 75% of all patients with pancreatic cancer die within twelve months of diagnosis. Of the 37,170 Americans to be diagnosed in 2007, over 33,000 will die this year."

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and the third leading cause of cancer death among 40-59 year-old men, yet the disease received only one and a half percent of the National Cancer Institute’s $4.747 billion cancer research budget for 2006.

"A tremendous amount of funding and scientific studies are needed if pancreatic cancer research is to continue in a way that enables doctors and scientists to better understand the risk factors and how the disease develops," added Fleshman.

Other notable Americans who have died from pancreatic cancer include Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Jack Benny, artist Rene Magritte, author Irving Wallace, Joan Crawford, Senator Emily Couric (Katie Couric’s sister), Henry Mancini, and many others.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) was established in 1999 out a desperate need for more research, and information about pancreatic cancer to a community in need of help and guidance. PanCAN is now a nationwide network of people dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by this terrible disease. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network gives pancreatic cancer patients a fighting chance for survival by creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Darby Pearson
(202) 955.6222, ext. 2585
dpearson@spectrumscience.com

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