Irving, Texas - A study by the American Cancer Society shows that one in every 78 persons will most likely be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer within their lifetime; and this rate has been growing since the year 2000. Many scientific researchers believe by 2020, it will be the second major cause of cancer death, after lung cancer, in the U.S. Diagnosing this disease early can increase the chances of successful treatment. It is for this reason that the Sandler-Kenner Foundation continues to improve their research about pancreatic cancer including the ability to detect it.

“It is difficult to detect pancreatic cancer,” explains Echt. “However, early detection gives room for a quicker and more aggressive treatment that will definitely save and extend lives.”

To prevent this disease and improve the chances of early diagnosis, it is important to understand a person’s risk factors. These include:

• Smoking – According to the American Cancer Society, cigarette smoking is linked to about 20 – 30 percent of pancreatic cancers. The risk increases with pipe and cigar smoking.

• Age – A greater percentage of persons diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are aged at least 45. Two thirds of them are at least 65 years old.

• Gender – The risk of developing pancreatic cancer is slightly higher in men.

• Obesity – Overweight individuals have about 20 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

• Family history – The personal risk may increase when close family members have already been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“It is important to understand personal risks so you can take a step that may help to reduce the chances of developing pancreatic cancer,” explains Echt. “Many challenges are involved in diagnosing this disease, but we continue to participate in conducting research for better cure for those who will be diagnosed or have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.”

About The Sandler-Kenner Foundation

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation, established in 2007 as the Las Colinas Cancer Center Foundation, was renamed in early 2011 in the memory of Michael Sandler and Peter Kenner, both of whom passed away from pancreatic cancer, a lethal disease that is difficult to diagnose until it has reached an advanced stage.