Support pancreatic cancer legislation

Pancreatic cancer requires a specialized solution. It is the only major cancer with a five-year survival rate of 6 percent, and 74 percent of individuals with the disease will lose their life within the first year of diagnosis.

These statistics are unacceptable in a world with extensive modern technology and research. There are no early detection methods or effective treatment options. But what makes this cancer even more disturbing is the lack of medical progress. Since the passage of the National Cancer Act more than 40 years ago, the five-year survival rate has made only minor improvements, from 2 percent to 6 percent.

My family was affected by this cancer in 2006, when my husband, 48, lost his battle after 14 months. My daughter and I are tired of seeing other families lose loved ones to pancreatic cancer.

Bipartisan legislation to address pancreatic cancer is being debated in Congress. The Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act (S. 362/ H.R. 733) would require the National Cancer Institute to create a long-term comprehensive strategic plan to increase the survival rate through improved treatment options and the development of early detection methods.

I implore Sen. Tom Harkin to use his position as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to pass this legislation.

Kelly Barber

Hartford