EL SEGUNDO, Calif., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network today hosts its fourth annual Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. Nearly 500 advocates, including patients, survivors and loved ones, from across the United States will meet with members of Congress to call for congressional action to ensure progress is made against the fourth leading cause of cancer death in our country by co-sponsoring the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act.  The bill, introduced as House Resolution 745 by Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) and Senate Resolution 3320 by Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), provides the National Cancer Institute (NCI) with the resources it needs to develop and implement a strategic plan for pancreatic cancer research. Pancreatic cancer advocates will also urge members of Congress to provide $5.79 billion for the NCI budget in fiscal year 2011 to support a sustained research program that includes greater focus on pancreatic cancer.

"Over the past 40 years little progress has been made in the fight against pancreatic cancer, and sadly the statistics reflect that. We must take action now and provide our scientists with the tools and resources they need to find early detection methods and effective treatment options to extend the lives of patients," stated Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "We are proud to have nearly 500 passionate voices speaking on Capitol Hill today to their Members of Congress. It is critical Congress understands the urgent needs facing the pancreatic cancer community and sees first hand the effects this deadly disease has on Americans."

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest among the top ten cancer killers in the United States with a five year survival rate of just 6 percent. This year, 43,120 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 36,800 will die from the disease. In fact, 75 percent of patients will die within the first year of diagnosis.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network supporters who are unable to attend Advocacy Day can add their voice to the chorus of advocates on Capitol Hill by participating in a "National Call-In".  Details of the "National Call-In," in addition to more information about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act, can be found at 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 to work together to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

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Julie Fleshman

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SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

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http://www.pancan.org