Finding a Cure for Pancreatic Cancer

Yesterday was the sixth annual Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day here on Capitol Hill and several Marylanders visited my office to discuss this critical issue.

Pancreatic cancer is a fast-acting killer with a 6 percent survival rate, the lowest out of all the major cancers. Nearly three-quarters of those with pancreatic cancer die within the first year of diagnosis. Early detection methods are nonexistent and treatment options are very limited.

I was proud to inform advocates yesterday that I am a longtime cosponsor of key legislation that will enable the National Cancer Institute to develop a long-term and comprehensive pancreatic cancer research strategy. The “Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act” would also establish a cancer research incubator project for the deadliest cancers and a program to educate primary care doctors about pancreatic cancer.

I have also signed on to a letter urging the committee of jurisdiction to consider this bill as soon as possible. This bill has strong bipartisan support, including more than 240 other cosponsors. I see no reason why Congress can’t come together to pass it now, taking us one step closer to finding a cure that will save millions of American lives.