The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Calls on the Public to Take Action during National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past 30 years there has been a revolution in science and medicine, resulting in increased survival rates for many diseases such as AIDS, breast cancer and diabetes. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer has not benefited from these medical advances because historically there haven't been enough people who know it. Not enough people fighting for action and not enough research to end it.  As a result, pancreatic cancer is the only one of the top cancer killers with a five-year survival rate in the single digits, at just six percent.  But the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has a vision to change that.

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November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Each November, we encourage those who have been affected by this terrible disease— to raise their voices, share their personal stories and build awareness about pancreatic cancer. Through these efforts we hope to educate the general public about the urgency surrounding this expanding movement to know, fight and end pancreatic cancer.

"The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has a vision to change the outcome for all those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We have a goal to double the survival rate of pancreatic cancer by 2020, but we can't do it alone," said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  "We need urgent action from the public to help us to increase momentum, raise awareness and take action before it's too late.  Pancreatic cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and is anticipated to become the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States by 2020, possibly as early as 2015."

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is urging the public to join their efforts in the fight against pancreatic cancer by pledging to make a difference this November and share the Vision of Progress. Supporters can make a difference by advancing research, becoming an advocate, learning about clinical trials and participating in an event.  With the help of more supporters, the organization can reach its 2020 goal by accelerating the application of its proven comprehensive approach to fighting the disease:  combining research, building and sustaining federal support, providing support for individuals and families living with the disease, and raising awareness in communities across the country.

"With the unrelenting commitment from all of our supporters the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is working harder than ever to grow our community of scientists, increase annual federal research dollars, enroll more patients in clinical trials and increase national awareness by attracting more volunteers and participants to our events," added Fleshman.

Additional nationwide awareness activities targeting the general public through our corporate champions include:

• Fox Sports Supports – During the month of November, regional coverage of the NBA on Fox Sports will reach the general public and help raise awareness of pancreatic cancer through Public Service Announcements and in-game announcements.
• Alex and Ani "Today is an Opportunity."  20 percent of all Alex and Ani sales of the 'Today is an Opportunity Bangle,' with a minimum donation of $10,000, will go directly to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. This bangle is available online and in all Alex and Ani Retail Locations. Visit www.alexandani.com.
• Tempur-Pedic® 2012 Hugs Back Campaign – During the month of November, Tempur-Pedic has committed to contribute $10 to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for every individual who tests a Tempur-Pedic mattress at a participating authorized retailer up to a maximum donation of $150,000. To learn more or find a retailer, visit www.tempurpedichugsback.com
• Z Gallerie Shirley Key Shopping Weekend. In memory of Shirley Zeiden, mother of the company's founders, Z Gallerie will donate 10 percent of sales and $5 from the sale of each small aubergine Esque candle from November 2^nd through November 4^th to the cause. Visit www.zgallerie.com. In addition, Z Gallerie will also donate $1 for every "like" and "share" on a specific Facebook post at facebook.com/zgallerie.    

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Vision of Progress, visit www.pancanvision.org.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival.

Related Link:
www.pancanvision.org

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network