The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reports that in the United States, pancreatic cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer, and the five-year survival rates continue to be bleak. This is because 53% are diagnosed when the cancer is advanced and surgery is no longer an option — treatment is more difficult and often so severe that quality of life issues are paramount to longevity.
Although the numbers can be discouraging , there continues to be bright spots on the horizon.
- There are many clinical trials investigating combining chemotherapy drugs for additional efficacy. Three completed trials have found modest results improving survival rates. This is going to be a long and hard fight.
- There has been a greater understanding of the role of genetics, which will assist doctors in making earlier diagnoses and create more successful interventions.
- There is buzz about a comprehensive pancreatic cancer vaccine and more breakthroughs among surgical solutions making the surgical option available to more people.
- Pancreatic cancer is just beginning to get the attention it needs and deserves in terms of research dollars and medical exploration. The death of Patrick Swayze and the diagnoses of both Steve Jobs and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg bring the disease more essential visibility.
CancerCare has responded to the needs of people with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers by providing:
- A Connect Education Workshop entitled “Medical Update on Pancreatic Cancer”
- A telephone support group for people with pancreatic cancer
- A telephone support group for caregivers of people with pancreatic cancer
- An online support group for caregivers
- Co-payment assistance through the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
To learn more about how we help, visit our website or call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673).
