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The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and Over 450 Advocates Are on Capitol Hill Today to Call on Members of Congress to Support the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act and Increase National Cancer Institute Funding

Posted on: Tuesday, 31 March 2009, 07:00 CDT

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network today hosts its 3rd Annual Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. Over 450 advocates, including patients, survivors and loved ones, from across the United States will call on members of Congress to ensure progress is made for the most deadly cancer by co-sponsoring the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act. Already introduced as House Resolution 745 by Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL); advocates will seek more co-sponsors among Representatives, and Senators once it is introduced in the Senate. Pancreatic cancer advocates will also urge members of Congress to commit to doubling the National Cancer Institutes (NCI) budget over the next five years by increasing funding to $6 billion in fiscal year 2010, an increase of over 20 percent.

"We are proud to have a passionate group of advocates on Capitol Hill today and hope Congress will realize pancreatic cancer must be a priority. It is imperative that the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act is passed and fully funded to provide the NCI the tools and resources it needs to make real scientific progress," stated Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "Half of the cancer deaths in our country are caused by eight forms of cancer with a five year survival rate of less than 50 percent. By doubling the budget of the NCI, researchers can make significant progress among the most deadly cancers, including pancreatic. The time is now to change the course of history for this disease."

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and the most deadly with a five year survival rate of just 5 percent. There are no early detection tools and little in the way of curative treatments. Currently, less than 2 percent of the NCI's annual research budget is dedicated to pancreatic cancer research.

"Because of the lack of funding for pancreatic cancer research, little progress has been made in the past thirty years to increase survival of patients, leaving families like mine devastated by this disease. I am proud to be on Capitol Hill in memory of Michael, with our children, Jennifer and Sean," added Cindy Landon, widow of actor Michael Landon.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network supporters who are unable to attend Advocacy Day can add their voice to the chorus of advocates on Capitol Hill by participating in a "National Call-In". Details of the "National Call-In" can be found at www.pancan.org.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act, visit www.pancan.org.

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 to work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Source: PR Newswire

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