Pancreatic cancer is the only major cancer with a single-digit survival rate over five years - just six percent. This year, over 44,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and more than 37,000 will die from the disease. In Kentucky alone, 590 will be diagnosed with the disease and 530 will die.
“After five years and overwhelming bipartisan support it’s time to pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act,” stated Carol Foreman, Community Representative for the Western Kentucky affiliate. “Pancreatic cancer patients don’t have any more time to wait. In the five years since the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act was first introduced, more than 181,000 Americans have died from the disease. I am going to Washington, DC to tell our elected officials that given the support for this bill, it is absolutely unacceptable that they haven’t passed it yet - they must pass it this year.”
Foreman will be joined on the trip by Reverend Anthony Schaeffer, Janet and Al Krall of Paducah, and Monty Nichols of Kuttawa.
Once enacted, the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act will ensure that the National Cancer Institute develops a long-term, comprehensive strategic plan for developing early diagnostics and treatment options that will increase the survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients.
Helping Kentuckians diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have a long quality life is an important goal that must be achieved. And supporters can help by participating in a National Call-In on June 26th and contacting Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Ed Whitfield. To learn how to contact these Members of Congress on June 26th visit www.knowitfightitendit.org. Tell Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Ed Whitfield to pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act.
Visit www.knowitfightitendit.org to learn how to take more action.
About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative—The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival.
