March 29, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SENATORS TED KENNEDY (D-MA) AND KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON (R-TX) INTRODUCE
THE 21ST CENTURY ALERT ACT:
A STATEMENT FROM THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – (March 26, 2009) – The following is a statement in response to the 21st Century ALERT Act introduced to Congress by Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) 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.

“Pancreatic cancer, which has a five-year survival rate of just 5 percent, is not only the fourth leading cause of cancer related death, but is also one of the few cancers for which survival has not significantly improved in the last 30 years.  In fact, pancreatic cancer and seven other cancers make up 50 percent of all cancer deaths. 

Therefore, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network greatly appreciates that Senators Kennedy and Hutchison have specifically called out high mortality cancers in their legislation as an area that needs special focus.  We regard this recognition as an important first step, and look forward to working with Senators Kennedy and Hutchison as this legislation moves forward to find ways to focus more attention and resources on the most lethal forms of cancer, including pancreatic.”

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.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT:
Jennifer Rosen
Senior Manager, Public Relations
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Direct: 310-706-3362
Email:jrosen@pancan.org

ALL OTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK AT 877-272-6226 OR EMAIL INFO@PANCAN.ORG.