Letter to the Editor: Historic Legislation on Pancreatic Cancer Passed

Dear Editor,

Thanks to the hard work and persistence by pancreatic cance 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 December 21, 2012.

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.

Congressman Leonard Lance played a critical role in helping the
landmark legislation reach the finish line.  On behalf of all those
affected by pancreatic cancer, they have our sincere gratitude.  We’re
hopeful that President Obama will quickly sign the bill into law.

Sincerely,
Linda Reiner Cohen
Clark, NJ