The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has launched their annual Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month campaign to raise awareness of the world’s toughest cancer. This November, PanCAN is encouraging the nation to get involved in its fight against pancreatic cancer by highlighting 30 stories, one each day, that illustrate the impact of pancreatic cancer on survivors, caregivers, families and researchers—and the urgent need for research and funding to create better outcomes for patients.
Pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with an overall five-year survival rate of just 10 percent. While the disease has received more attention recently due to many prominent individuals who have been affected including “JEOPARDY!” host Alex Trebek, as well as the recent passings of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Rep. John Lewis, an increase in public awareness and research funding remain critical.
PanCAN’s public awareness initiative will include digital and broadcast public service announcements and stories that will kick off the month with Lisa Niemi Swayze, longtime PanCAN advocate and wife of the late actor, Patrick Swayze who died from pancreatic cancer in 2009. In addition to quotes and stories throughout the month from pancreatic cancer survivors, researchers, caregivers and donors, on November 16, a special celebrity ambassador will be unveiled.
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