November 20, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVEMBER RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONALLY AS PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

EL SEGUNDO, CA – (November 20, 2009) – 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, applauds the American Pancreatic Association and the Japanese Pancreatic Society for recognizing November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. The joint declaration from these organizations draw attention internationally to the lack of funding for pancreatic cancer research and the urgent need for early detection methods and more effective treatment options for patients.

“The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is grateful for the American Pancreatic Association and the Japanese Pancreatic Society for supporting the goals and ideals of National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month,” stated Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “With their continued support we can work together to increase public awareness of this deadly disease and ensure scientific progress is made to increase survival of pancreatic cancer patients.”

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and has the highest mortality of all major cancers with a five year survival rate of only five percent. In 2009, over 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and over 35,000 will die. Despite these statistics, pancreatic cancer is the least funded among leading cancer killers with only two percent of the National Cancer Institutes research budget dedicated to the disease.

In Japan, pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death overall and among men, and the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women. It is estimated to affect over 25,000 Japanese annually and like the United States, the incidence and mortality for pancreatic cancer are on the rise.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 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 work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

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CONTACT:
Jennifer Reeves
Public Relations Manager
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-321-6542
Email: jreeves@pancan.org