U.S. House Adopts Platts Resolution to Raise Awareness of Pancreatic Cancer

More than 30,000 will be diagnosed with the disease this year.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19) moved to increase awareness of the most lethal form of cancer with yesterday's adoption of House Resolution 262, which he introduced to promote November as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month."

H. Res. 262 was passed by the United States House of Representatives Wednesday by a voice vote.

This year, more than 30,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Since there are no early detection methods and minimal treatment options, 99 percent of those diagnosed with the disease will lose their lives-the highest mortality rate of any form of cancer.

"By the time the symptoms present themselves, it is almost always too late for a positive prognosis. Patients diagnosed have an average life expectancy of only three to six months," says Congressman Platts. "It is a moral imperative for Congress to work to increase awareness about this life threatening disease."

Congressman Platts has been working alongside the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) - the only national advocacy organization available for pancreatic cancer patients and their families - to help pass this resolution. By designating November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, PanCAN seeks to educate communities about the need for research funding, early detection methods, effective treatment and prevention programs.

Congressman Platts was introduced to PanCAN by Bob Hammen, a constituent from Red Lion, Pennsylvania, who lost his wife Linda to pancreatic cancer in 2001.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death for men and women in the United States. The disease does not discriminate by age, gender or race, and only four percent of patients survive beyond five years.

"I introduced House Resolution 262 to help increase awareness of this horrible disease and the critical need for additional research funding," says Congressman Platts.

Congressman Platts will present a copy of H. Res. 262 to Bob Hammen and Paula Kim, president and founder of PanCAN, at a fundraising event for pancreatic cancer on Saturday, October 18, 2003, at Grandview Golf Course near Dover, Pennsylvania.