February 27, 2009 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S PROPOSED 2010 BUDGET IS ENCOURAGING NEWS FOR THE PANCREATIC CANCER COMMUNITY:
A STATEMENT FROM THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.– (February 27 , 2009) –The following is a statement in response to President Obama’s 2010 proposed budget from Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. 

“We applaud President Obama for holding his campaign promise of doubling cancer research during his administration and making cancer research a priority by including in the 2010 proposed budget $6 billion in cancer research funding through the National Institute of Health.

“This is a critical step in renewing the broad fight against cancer and is encouraging news for the pancreatic cancer community. We now need to ensure funding is dedicated to conquering the most complex issues facing the research community and make significant progress with the deadliest cancers, such as pancreatic, where very little improvement has been made in the past thirty years.

“Today, approximately 95 percent of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die within five years. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network remains hopeful that a significant increase in funding will ultimately lead to early detection tools and effective treatment options currently lacking for pancreatic cancer patients and increase survival of the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.”

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the only national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization raises money for direct private funding of research—and advocates for more aggressive federal research funding of medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fills the void of information and options by giving patients and caregivers reliable, personalized information they need to make informed decisions. We create a sense of hope and community so no one has to face pancreatic cancer alone. The organization helps support individuals and communities all across the country work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

# # #

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Jennifer Rosen
Senior Manager, Public Relations
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-706-3362
Email:jrosen@pancan.org

ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK AT 877-272-6226 OR EMAIL INFO@PANCAN.ORG.