Creating Hope.
      Supporting a Cure.
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Pancreatic Cancer Association of WNY PO Box 24580        Rochester, NY  14624

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Early Detection is the Key!  Research is Vital!



Facts


  • Pancreatic cancer is the nation's 3rd leading cancer killer behind lung and colon cancer. More people now die from pancreatic cancer than breast cancer.
  • Of the top 10 cancer killers, pancreatic cancer continues to have the lowest five year survival rates.
  • The 5-year survival rate over the past 40 years has remained almost nearly unchanged, and recently has finally reached 10%, while huge strides have been made in fighting other cancers. The 5-year survival rate for all other cancers rose from 49% to 67% and some are 90% or higher.
  • In 2021, 60,430 men and women will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
  • In 2021, 48,220 pancreatic cancer patients will die from the disease.
  • Only about 2% of the National Cancer Institute's budget is allocated for pancreatic cancer research (the lowest funding
    of all major cancers).
  • Pancreatic Cancer is referred to as the silent killer because it is hard to detect until it is in the late stages










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Risk Factors

  • Approximately 10% of pancreatic cancer cases are related to a family history of the disease. Individuals who smoke and have a family history of pancreatic cancer are at risk of developing pancreatic cancer up to 10 years earlier than their previously diagnosed family member(s).
  • Chronic pancreatitis, particularly at a younger age, increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
  • African-Americans have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to individuals of Asian, Hispanic or Caucasian descent.
  • There is also a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer among Ashkenazi Jews, possibly due to a mutation involving the breast cancer (BRCA2) gene that is found in about 1% of individuals of this background.
  • Slightly more men are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer than women.
  • Pancreatic cancer is 2 times more likely to occur in people who have diabetes than in people who do not have diabetes.
  • A diet high in red meats, animal fats, processed meats, and carbohydrates is thought to increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
  • A diet high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk.
  • For people who are considered clinically obese, there may be a significantly increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.