2013 Senate Joint Resolution 54
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: proclaiming November 2013 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Whereas, pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and is the only major cancer with a five-year relative survival rate in the single digits; and
Whereas, when symptoms of pancreatic cancer generally present themselves, it is often too late for an optimistic prognosis, and the average survival rate is only five to seven months; and
Whereas, the incidence of and death rate for pancreatic cancer are increasing, and pancreatic cancer is anticipated to move from the fourth to the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States by 2020; and
Whereas, the federal government invests significantly less money in pancreatic cancer research than it does in any of the other leading cancer killers, and pancreatic cancer research constitutes only approximately 2 percent of the National Cancer Institute's federal research funding, a figure far too low given the severity of the disease, its mortality rate, and how little is known about how to arrest it; and
Whereas, the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act was signed into law on January 2, 2013, calling on the National Cancer Institute to develop scientific frameworks that will help provide the strategic direction and guidance needed to make true progress against recalcitrant or deadly cancers, including pancreatic cancer; and
Whereas, November has been declared National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and
Whereas, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization serving the pancreatic cancer community in Wisconsin and nationwide through a comprehensive approach that includes public policy, research funding, patient services, and public awareness and education related to developing effective treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer; and
Whereas, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its affiliates in Wisconsin are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the legislature proclaim November 2013 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in the state of Wisconsin and urge its citizens to educate themselves about pancreatic cancer and the need for research funding, early detection methods, effective treatments, and prevention programs.
