[b]Irving, TX[/b] – Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive type of cancer. Diagnosing it is difficult due to the physical location of the pancreas. The pancreas lies hidden behind the stomach and any cancer present can’t easily be seen. Its symptoms may be similar to other conditions and this leaves room for it to progress further before a doctor can conclusively pinpoint it as the cause. Research has made such great strides to enable doctors to detect and treat it before it spreads too far.

“[b]Research has proven instrumental in the fight against pancreatic cancer[/b] and more of it is still required”, says the doctor. “We hope more people see the need and support research activities to continue improving the odds of survival.”

Several benefits result from public involvement in pancreatic cancer research. They include:

• Better drugs and approaches – Doctors carry out clinical trials and they need patients already living with pancreatic cancer for this. Clinical trials help determine whether the newly developed treatment works and points out any flaws that may need correcting. Those that may not have the disease but have experience handling someone who had it can share their experience and this can help doctors tailor their medical approaches to the needs of the patient.

• Increased funding –When more people get involved, it shows that a big number is affected by the disease. This becomes evidence as to why it should be a priority for funding. An increase in funding gives researchers and doctors more room to work on solutions.

• Increased awareness – Few people understand the magnitude of pancreatic cancer. The more people get involved the more people will talk about it. This will have them realize how serious it is and that it deserves more attention.

“People can get involved using different avenues. Some can share their experiences and offer suggestions, others can participate in clinical trials, others can help drum up support, and others can make financial donations”, says the doctor.“There is a place for everyone in this fight.”

[b]About The Sandler-Kenner Foundation[/b]

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.