Ivan Aponte
Technical
Writing
Professor
Casey
11/17/14
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Table of Contents
3 ………………………………..Introduction
4 ……………………….……….Problems
7 ………..………………………Solutions
10 ……..……………………….Benefits
12 …..………………………….Concluding Thoughts
13 …..………………………….Reference Page
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The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is
a non-profit organization that was
created on February, 1999. This
organization, comprised of over 1 million
members, serves to fund research for
pancreatic cancer, inform patients and
their family members about the disease
through their patient and liaison
services, and increase awareness in the
general public.
The story of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network begins with Pamela Acosta Marquardt, the
founder of this organization. In June of 1996, Rose Schneider, Ms. Marquardt’s mother is
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and only has 3-6 months to live. Knowing this information,
Ms. Marquardt gathers as much information as about the disease.
The only source of useful information she was able to get a hold of was from “…an online
discussion board dedicated to pancreatic cancer hosted by Ralph Hruban, MD, a pathologist at
Johns Hopkins University Medical Center” (Pancan 2014). This discussion board was Pamela’s
lifeline as she dealt with her mother’s diagnosis.
After her mother’s passing, Ms. Marquardt continued to access the discussion board to console
herself and to help others who were dealing with the disease. She found that members of the
discussion board had become frustrated with the lack of resources to their community. This
frustration led to action. Ms. Marquardt got the ball rolling by staging a black tie celebrity event
that raised money for an early detection lab for pancreatic cancer. The fundraising event was a
success. This event, along with other events, led to the formation of the Pancreatic Cancer
Action Network in February of 1999. From the start, hundreds of volunteers were ready to build
awareness for the long misunderstood and neglected disease (Pancan).
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According to The Center of Disease Control, cancer ranks second in the leading causes of death
in the United States for 2014 next to heart disease (CDC 2014). With this statistic in mind,
“Pancreatic cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States,
and is anticipated to become the second by 2020” (Pancan 2014).
The Silent Disease
Pancreatic cancer is given the name “the silent disease” for a reason. This specific cancer will
not show any symptoms or signs of existence until it develops more in the late stages. Even
then, the symptoms that are presented are vague and are similar to other diseases that could
be presented in the gastrointestinal area. By the time diagnosis for pancreatic cancer is made,
the cancer will more than likely be in an advanced stage and treatment options often will have
no benefit.
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Surgery Is Often Obstructed
Another factor that makes pancreatic cancer so dangerous is where it is located in the body.
The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, hidden beneath many different layers of tissue.
Removing a pancreatic tumor in this condition is often difficult at times. Only 15-20% of
patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed early enough that their tumor can be
removed surgically (UCSF Health). This low rate for surgical removal is due to the fact that the
malignancy of the pancreatic cancer would have more than likely already spread to other
regions of the body, making it surgical removal impossible. Even if surgery can be done for the
removal of the tumor, the cancer often returns.
Low Survival Rate
The current survival rate for pancreatic cancer is very slim. Because of the contributing factors
that make treatment for pancreatic cancer difficult, the one-year relative survival rate is 20%,
and the five-year rate is 6% (American Cancer Society).
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Many American lives are affected annually due to pancreatic cancer. The American Cancer
Society estimates that as many as 46,420 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and
that 39,590 people will die from it (American Cancer Society 2014). The numbers of people
afflicted with pancreatic cancer and deaths will only continue to increase exponentially as it has
in the past decade or so.
Underlying Causes
Pancreatic cancer, like all cancers, can be caused by a number of factors. For pancreatic cancer,
WebMD links genetics, diabetes, smoking, obesity, diets with high fat and meat content, and
deficiencies in lycopene and selenium as contributing factors that will increase the risk of
developing this disease (WebMD). Besides genetics, these factors that are listed can be
prevented by changes to one’s lifestyle.
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Solutions
Early Detection
One of the main focuses of the research funds amounted by the Pancreatic Cancer Action
Network goes towards early detection. Some scientists are combating pancreatic cancer by
improving current early detection methods and creating new ones. Because of the deep
location of pancreas, doctors are not able to check for tumors during a physical exam.
Therefore, early detection is crucial to fighting this “silent” disease.
Genetic Testing
One method of detection is genetic testing. Some people may be more at risk of pancreatic
cancer if the person has a family history of that disease. “Inherited DNA changes are thought to
cause as many as 10% of pancreatic cancers” (American Cancer Society). Though this test does
not determine whether you will get pancreatic cancer, it will determine whether you are more
at risk.
Endoscopic Ultrasound
Another method of detection for pancreatic cancer is endoscopic ultrasound. This is a newer
method of detection which combines endoscopy and ultrasound in order to obtain images and
information about the digestive tract and the surrounding tissues and organs (Medicine Net).
Essentially, a healthcare professional would insert an endoscopic tube with an ultrasound
transmitter on the tip of it like he or she would for a regular endoscopy procedure. Then, when
the transmitter is near the pancreas, the ultrasound transmitter will emit sound waves and
produce a high quality image of the pancreas. Using this image, a doctor will be able to
determine if there is an abnormal growth on the pancreas or not.
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Treatment
Another focus of the research funds that are raised by the Pancreatic Action Network are actual
methods of treating pancreatic. There are a number of different forms of treatment that the
research funds go towards. Funding may go towards improving current methods of treatment
to make them more effective or creating new methods to tackle the cancer in a different angle
of approach.
Immunotherapy
As far as treatment goes, a lot of research is going into immunotherapy. In a nutshell,
immunotherapy is using the body’s natural immune system as a way to combat pancreatic
cancer. “The immune system’s natural capacity to detect and destroy abnormal cells may
prevent the development of many cancers” (National Cancer Institute 2014). These therapies
can do one of two things: they can stimulate key components of the immune system or
counteract signals produced by cancer that suppress the immune system. Immunotherapy is
undergoing more research so that scientists can broaden its use.
Targeted Therapy
Another form of treatment for pancreatic cancer is targeted therapy. Targeted cancer therapies
are drugs designed to interfere with specific molecules necessary for tumor growth and
progression (My Cancer Genome 2014). Targeted therapy is not to be mistaken with
chemotherapy, which targets all cells that divide in the body.
Chemotherapy
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A widely known form of treatment for pancreatic cancer is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a
“drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body” (Mayo
Clinic 2014). Since cancer essentially consists of fast-growing abnormal cells, chemotherapy is
often an effective medicine for combating a wide range of cancers. However, there are some
negative connotations that come with this method of treatment. Chemotherapy carries the risk
of side effects. Although some of these side effects are mild and treatable, there are others that
can cause serious complications in the treatment process.
Healthy Lifestyle
Though funding does not go towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the Pancreatic Cancer
Action Network advises people to pursue this
Although this is not exactly a cure for pancreatic cancer, maintain a healthy lifestyle can help
prevent it and even aid other treatments being implemented for those who already have
pancreatic cancer. Consuming a healthy diet will help prevent development of obesity and
diabetes: two factors that linked to the cause of pancreatic cancer. In addition to a healthy diet,
maintaining a regular workout routine will further aid the prevention of obesity and diabetes.
Smoking is one of the major causes linked to pancreatic cancer. “The number one way to
prevent pancreatic cancer is to stop smoking” (MD Anderson Cancer Center). One can simply
lower the risk of pancreatic cancer by putting the cigarette down or not even trying it to begin
with.
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Research Funds towards Pancreatic Cancer
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has risen over $23 million in research funds. The grand
amount has been distributed into 110 grants that are awarded to well qualified scientists and
institutions who conduct research on pancreatic cancer. With these grants, the scientists and
institutions can focus their energy and resources on improving diagnostic tools, innovating
more effective methods of early detections, improve current treatment options, and create
new treatment options. Because of the efforts of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, we
understand the biological make up of pancreatic cancer far better than we did two decades
ago.
The organization recently evaluated their research grants program looking at the span of 20032011. 66 grants were awarded at a total amount of $9.15 million. With the data allocated, the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network was able to conclude that the awarded scientists were able
to “…leverage the $9.15 million investment into $91 million in subsequent pancreatic cancer
research funding” (PanCan).
Patient and Liaison Services (PALS)
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The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network does not only raise funds for pancreatic cancer research,
but they also offer one-to-one support. The Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) is a
“comprehensive and free information service for pancreatic cancer patients, their families and
healthcare professionals” (PanCan). The information they offer include: treatment options,
clinical trials, disease information, specialist physicians, diet and nutrition, side effect
management, support resources, and more. So far, 90,000 patients and families have been
served by PALS. This service goes to show the sentiment and care the organization has for the
people troubled by pancreatic cancer.
Purple Stride
Every year, tens of thousands of people across the nation will participate in 1 of 50 PurpleStride
events. They can range from brief walks to long distance timed runs. PurpleStride has one
common goal – to end pancreatic cancer. These events raise awareness about the mission of
the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and give the community an opportunity to “make strides
towards a better future” (PanCan). PurpleStride contributes millions of dollars towards
pancreatic cancer research, support patients, and create hope.
“For participants, it is a journey toward hope that is filled with inspiration” (Pancan).
PurpleStride serves as a supportive environment with likeminded individuals who want to see
the end of pancreatic cancer. With these events, communities can band together and increase
awareness in the fight for pancreatic cancer.
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As many can see, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is an organization whose cause is
worthy of support. This non-profit organization has already made many contributions to
pancreatic cancer research in its 18 years of existence. From development of new age
diagnostic tools and detection methods, to improving current pancreatic treatment methods
and creating new ones, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network puts forth its efforts to support
this research. Continual funding for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will be beneficial to
society, as they hope to make the pressing issue of this disease a thing of the past. With their
one-on-one support (PALS), they offer emotional support and important information to the
uninformed about pancreatic cancer.
To make contributions to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, one could a donation through
the organization’s website. Not only can one contribute to the organization financially, you can
also volunteer for the organization. Through the website, a person is able to find a local
volunteer effort. The website also gives you information on PurpleStride events happening
throughout the year. If you wish to contact the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, you may call
them on the toll free number 877-272-6226 or email them at info@pancan.org.
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Reference Page
Abramson, R.G. (2014). Overview of Targeted Therapies for Cancer. My Cancer Genome.
Retrieved November 21, 2014 from
http://www.mycancergenome.org/content/other/molecular-medicine/overview-of-targetedtherapies-for-cancer/ (Updated November 18).
American Cancer Society. (2014). What are the key statistics to pancreatic cancer?
Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreaticcancer/detailedguide/pancreatic-cancerkey-statistics
Chemotherapy. (2014, May 5). In Mayo Clinic online. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/basics/definition/prc-20023578
Hoyart, D. L. & Xu, J. (2012, October 10) National Vital Statistics Report. Retrieved
November 10, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr61/nvsr61_06.pdf
(2014, October 17). Immunotherapy: Using the immune system to treat cancer. National
Cancer Institute. Retrieved November 10, 2014 from
http://www.cancer.gov/researchandfunding/progress/immunotherapy-using-immune-system-totreat-cancer
MD Anderson Cancer Center. (2014).Pancreatic cancer prevention and screening.
Retrieved from http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancerinformation/cancer-types/pancreatic-cancer/prevention/index.html
Medicine Net. (2014). Endoscopic ultrasound. Retrieved from
http://www.medicinenet.com/endoscopic_ultrasound/article.htm (Medicine Net)
(2011). Results and accomplishments. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Retrieved
November 10, 2014 from http://www.pancan.org/
UCSF Medical Center. (2014). Pancreatic cancer treatment. Retrieved from
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/pancreatic_cancer/treatment.html
Web MD. (2014). Pancreatic cancer causes and risk factors. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/causes-pancreatic-cancer
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