November Is "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in Goose Creek

Release, City of Goose Creek:

Goose Creek Mayor Michael Heitzler signed a proclamation declaring November 2012, 'Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of Goose Creek.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers; it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. 

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer usually occur too late for an optimistic prognosis and 74 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of their diagnosis. 

African Americans have the highest incidence rate of pancreatic cancer, between 34 percent and 70 percent higher than other groups. Approximately 570 deaths will occur in South Carolina in 2012. 

There is no cure for pancreatic cancer and no significant improvements in survival rates in the last 40 years.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is to increase efforts on public policy, research funding, patient services, and public awareness and education related to developing effective treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer.