“Let’s face it: The pancreas is a behind-the-scenes organ most of us don’t know – or think – much about. However, for a small percent of the population, cancer of the pancreas is a very serious diagnosis.”

This is the opening of an informative and important article featured in U.S. News & World Report today.

As mentioned in the article, about 53,670 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year – representing about 3 percent of all cancer diagnoses. However, despite the relative rarity of pancreatic cancer diagnoses, it is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and projected to become second around 2020.

Quoted in the U.S. News article is Diane Simeone, MD, director of the Pancreatic Cancer Center and associate director of translational research at the Perlmutter Cancer Center/NYU Langone Health. Simeone was recently named chair of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s prestigious Scientific and Medical Advisory Board and also chairs the innovative Precision PromiseSM steering committee.

Simeone noted: “Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat,” but she went on to say that now is a “very exciting” time, due in part to expanded definitions of different subtypes of the disease and an increase in molecularly targeted treatment options.

Every pancreatic tumor is different. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network strongly recommends molecular profiling of your tumor to help determine the best treatment options. Eligible patients who do not have access to molecular profiling from their treating physician can enroll in PanCAN’s Know Your Tumor® precision medicine service.

“We want to deeply study every patient to get smarter [about caring for these patients],” added Simeone.

To support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s efforts to provide information, resources and hope to pancreatic cancer patients, please donate today.