Recognizing November 2016 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Philadelphia in honor of pancreatic cancer patients, care givers, survivors, and those who have succumbed to the disease.

WHEREAS, Pancreatic cancer recently moved from the fourth- to the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and is anticipated to become the second-leading cause by 2020; and

WHEREAS, When symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves, it is usually too late for an optimistic prognosis. The Cancer Journal for Clinicians lists pancreatic cancer as one of the nation’s deadliest cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of just 8 percent. Approximately 73 percent of pancreatic cancer patients will die within the first year of their diagnosis. It is projected that in 2016, an estimated 53,070 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States, and approximately 41,780 will die from the disease; and

WHEREAS, There is currently no cure for pancreatic cancer and there have been no significant improvements in early detection, treatment methods, or survival rates in the last 40 years. In 2013, the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act was signed into federal law. This act calls on the National Cancer Institute to develop a scientific or strategic plan providing the direction and guidance needed to make true progress against pancreatic cancer and other hard-to-treat cancers; and

WHEREAS, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the first and only national patient advocacy organization that serves the pancreatic cancer community by focusing its efforts on public policy, research funding, patient services, public awareness, and education geared towards developing effective treatments and a cure for this devastating disease; and

WHEREAS, The well-being of the residents of our community is enhanced by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s efforts to increase awareness about pancreatic cancer. The Network’s affiliates in Philadelphia support those patients currently battling pancreatic cancer and honor those who have lost their lives to the disease; and

WHEREAS, On Saturday, November 5, 2016, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will host the PurpleStride Philadelphia 5K Run & Family-Friendly Walk to commemorate Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, joining cities across the nation in an effort to raise funds and awareness; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes November 2016 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Philadelphia in honor of pancreatic cancer patients, care givers, survivors, and those who have succumbed to the disease.

RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network affiliates in Philadelphia, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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