The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is Saddened by the Death of NFL Hall of Fame Member Gene Upshaw

"The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network offers its condolences to the Upshaw family and the entire NFL community," said Julie Fleshman, President and CEO. "I know personally the affects this disease has on a family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time."

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death inthe United States, yet is the most under-funded among leading cancer killers with less than 2% of the National Cancer Institutes annual research budget-a figure far to low given the severity of the disease. The incidence among African- American's is 50-90% higher than any other ethnic group inthe United States.

"Upshaw's diagnosis and passing reinforces the fact that something must be done to give pancreatic cancer patients a fighting chance," added Fleshman. "We urgently need the funding to find early detection methods, diagnostic tools and ultimately a cure for this disease, which will claim 75% of patients diagnosed this year."

To address this disparity the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network launched Raise the Cure, an unprecedented initiative that combines a commitment to raise $25 million in private funding with a call for the federal government to devote more attention and resources to finding a cure and treatments for pancreatic cancer. The federal component of the plan, called The National Plan to Advance Pancreatic Cancer Research, was developed by the organization's esteemed Scientific Advisory Board, and is a detailed blueprint of the research and federal resources required to make true inroads in this disease.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit http://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 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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