Published: November 18, 2009 10:02 am      

Cancer group applauds Chickasha mayor

The Oklahoma affiliate 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, applauds Mayor Greg Elliott for his leadership in issuing a proclamation declaring November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Chickasha.

"The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network thanks Mayor Greg Elliott for supporting the goals and ideals of National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and for helping to lead the charge toward increased awareness and funding for this truly horrible disease," stated Julie Fleshman, President and CEO. "With the continued support of these elected officials, we will work towards increasing local awareness and federal funding for pancreatic cancer and give hope to the over 42,000 Americans fighting this terrible disease."

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, yet is the most under recognized and least studied cancer killers.





putting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to work to leverage federal funding by gathering support from local, state, and federal elected officials, alike.

The federal component of this effort is The Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (HR 745) sponsored by Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL). This bill is the first substantive legislative effort dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research. Once enacted and fully funded, it will provide a greater focus on this disease and will provide the National Cancer Institute with the tools it needs to develop the diagnostic methods and treatments that are currently lacking for pancreatic cancer patients.