Our Readers Write: Ride's Death Underscores Need for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Dear Editor,

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, who lost her 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She had an inspiring, accomplished career and is an icon in our nation’s history.

Tragically, for those who have been touched by pancreatic cancer, 17-months is an exception, as 74 percent of patients die within the first year of diagnosis. Perhaps what is worse is that pancreatic cancer is one of the few cancers for which the relative five year survival rate, of just six percent, has not improved substantially in over 40 years since the passage of the National Cancer Act. My mother-in-law developed pancreatic cancer in 2009, and on the day she was buried in 2010, my sister-in-law was diagnosed as having stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She also passed away in 2010, and my wife is at a heightened risk of getting the disease.

We need Congress to pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act (S. 362/H.R. 733) which would put a long-term comprehensive strategic research plan in place that would help develop effective treatment options that would ultimately give those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a fighting chance. The bill is currently being debated and has strong bi-partisan support in Congress, in fact, with nearly 60 Senate co-sponsors and over 270 House co-sponsors, the bill has more bi-partisan support than the overwhelming majority of bills currently under consideration.

I hope all those inspired by Sally Ride will honor her memory by joining the fight against pancreatic cancer. To learn more, visit www.pancan.org. Together we can know, fight and end this deadly disease.

Sincerely,
Steve Lipshetz