The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) applauds the Biden administration for its steadfast commitment to ending cancer as we know it and for recognizing the critical role that continued funding for cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the new Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) have in making this a reality. We support his ambitious goals of reducing the death rate from cancer by 50% over the next 25 years and improving the experience for patients and families living with and surviving cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is on track to become the second leading cause and the five-year survival rate is just 13% – the lowest of all major cancers. With no early detection test and few effective treatment options, there continues to be an urgent need to increase federal research funding to improve outcomes for people with pancreatic cancer. While there have been tremendous advancements in the last 20 years with more people surviving and living with cancer, the progress has been very slow when it comes to pancreatic cancer.

PanCAN remains committed to raising awareness and funds to accelerate progress for this disease. PanCAN was the first organization dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer in a comprehensive way, and for more than two decades, it has grown a nationwide movement tackling the disease from all angles. PanCAN continues to advocate for an increase in the investment in pancreatic cancer research at the NIH, the NCI, the dedicated Pancreatic Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense (DOD) and continued investments in ARPA-H.

PanCAN has set an ambitious goal to see the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer increase to 20% by 2030 and we look forward to working with the Biden Administration and Congress to reach that goal – and to create better outcomes for all cancer patients.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) leads the way in accelerating critical progress for pancreatic cancer patients. PanCAN takes bold action by funding life-saving research, providing personalized patient services and creating a community of supporters and volunteers who will stop at nothing to create a world in which all pancreatic cancer patients will thrive. For 18 years in a row, PanCAN has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator – the highest rating an organization can receive. This rating designates PanCAN as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating strong financial health, ongoing accountability and transparency.

 For more information, please contact:

Charaighn Sesock, Associate Director, Public Relations, 559-972-4877, csesock@pancan.org