Janice Hahn: “Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is often a death sentence. Of all of…”

“Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is often a death sentence. Of all of the patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 73 percent die within the first year, most within the first 3 to 6 months. I think we should reverse these alarming statistics and give hope to those who are affected by this disease. Fifty years ago, women were dying of breast cancer at an alarming rate; but today, with more scientific research, early detection techniques, and affordable health care, the survival rate is much higher. Women are fighting and beating breast cancer. I think we should invest more funding for advanced research for pancreatic cancer that could save thousands of lives. Pancreatic cancer, unfortunately, touched the life of my friend, Larry Clark, former mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes, California; but thanks to a successful surgery and clinical trials, Larry is alive and well. Now, he has dedicated his life to working with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to help others fight this deadly disease. They were here Monday, walking the halls of Congress, urging us for more research money. My hope is that the awareness of this critical issue will be an impetus for action and improvement of the way we treat pancreatic cancer in order to fight the disease and save lives. ____________________”