To the editor:

Thanks to the hard work and persistence by pancreatic cancer advocates, the U.S. Congress recently passed historic legislation that will finally bring hope to those affected by the disease. The Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, formerly known as the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act, passed Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 21.

President Barack Obama signed it into law on Thursday.

This legislation means we are one step closer to creating a national strategy for combating pancreatic cancer, developing early detection tools and effective treatments and improving the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.

Pancreatic cancer is anticipated to move from the fourth leading cause of cancer death to the second leading cause of cancer death by 2020, possibly as early as 2015. Congress’ support of this bill means we can create a national plan to begin to reverse this trend.

Sen. Mark Warner played a critical role in helping the landmark legislation reach the finish line. On behalf of all those affected by pancreatic cancer, he and the president have our sincere gratitude.

Vicki Friedman,
Chesapeake
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network