Early detection methods for pancreatic cancer urgently needed

Empower & Inspire: Spread Health & Wellness

The following is a statement in response to the breaking news about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 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.

“Our thoughts are with Justice Ginsburg today as we learn of her pancreatic cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery and we wish her well on her recovery.

“The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in the early stages is encouraging news for all patients. However, only 20 percent of patients are diagnosed early enough to qualify for surgery. The incidental discovery of pancreatic cancer in Justice Ginsburg reminds us of the urgent need for additional research funding to find early detection methods for the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

“The Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (H.R. 745) was introduced in Congress last week by U.S. Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) and is the first substantive legislative effort dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research and addressing the critical needs facing our research community. Once enacted and fully funded it will provide a greater focus on this disease and will provide the National Cancer Institute with the tools it needs to develop the early diagnostic methods and treatments that are currently lacking for pancreatic cancer patients.”

Source: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, USA


Leave a Comment

Health Newstrack