On the recordJuly 18, 2013
I rise today to speak about the need to invest in research to fight pancreatic cancer. Just six percent of Americans diagnosed with pancreatic cancer live more than 5 years--6 percent. Sixty-five percent of folks with colon cancer survive that long; 90 percent live 5 years with breast cancer and nearly every man diagnosed with prostate cancer is still living after half a decade. Why is pancreatic cancer a different story? It is because we do not have a reliable way to detect this deadly disease in its earliest stages. As a result, nearly 40,000 Americans will die from pancreatic cancer in 2013. But despite being a leading cause of cancer death, pancreatic cancer receives far less support--and far fewer research dollars--than other forms of cancer. This must change because support for cancer research saves lives. Supporting pancreatic cancer research will lead to breakthroughs in treatment. It will lead to needed advances in early detection. And it will show the American people that we are serious about saving the lives of their closest family and friends. For Leigh Enselman, it will make it clear that we are standing with her and her mother. Leigh lives in Bozeman, MT while her mother, who suffers with pancreatic cancer, lives in Seattle. Leigh works hard to support her mom during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She also volunteers her time to support pancreatic cancer patients and raise awareness about the disease.…
