Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS MONTH -- (House of Representatives - October 06, 2005)

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, the cancer of the pancreas stands out as a highly lethal disease, with its victims facing the poorest likelihood of survival of all those who survive major malignancies. It accounts for only 2 percent of all newly diagnosed cancers in the United States each year, but 5 percent of all cancer deaths. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Only 4 percent of patients survive beyond 5 years. Men have higher incidences and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer than women in each racial or ethnic group. Black men and women have incidences and mortality rates that are 50 percent higher than the rates of whites. Rates for Hispanics and the Asian American groups are generally lower than that of whites. Cigarette smoking has been identified consistently as an important part of the cause.

Most pancreatic cancers arise from the ductal cells of the pancreas. The pancreas, an organ situated deep in the abdominal cavity, serves several critical functions. It produces enzymes that are delivered to the small intestines to aid in the digestion of food, and it controls sugar levels in the body.

The disease is often far advanced by the time symptoms occur and a diagnosis made.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is dedicated to focusing national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic cancer. I support this resolution and Pan CAN's efforts to designate November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

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