Today, the American Cancer Society (ACS) published the 2024 Cancer Facts & Figures Report, unveiling the latest information on pancreatic cancer and a notable rise in survivorship. According to the report, the 5-year survival rate has reached 13%, marking a consecutive increase each year since 2021. This new data demonstrates a shift in pancreatic cancer outcomes and reflects worldwide efforts to change the trajectory of this disease. Our community of long-term survivors, caregivers, and families, continue to be the strongest advocates and most passionate voices in this fight. We invite you to make a donation, participate in a Hirshberg event, and help educate your community so that we can continue to make strides toward a cure.
As the first nonprofit organization dedicated to pancreatic cancer research, the Hirshberg Foundation continues to lead the fight for a cure and share our mantra: Never Give Up. While the ACS report confirms that we are headed in the right direction, it reaffirms the critical need for our work to continue. To date, pancreatic cancer remains the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the ACS facts and figures show us that an estimated 66,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, an increase of nearly 4% since last year.
Funding research projects to improve patient care, treatments and, ultimately, pancreatic cancer survival rates remain a key pillar of the Hirshberg Foundation’s mission. In the past few months alone, we have shared exciting details about our newest Seed Grant recipients, updates on early detection biomarkers, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnostics. The Hirshberg Foundation looks forward to sharing more advances in 2024.
Although overall statistics for pancreatic cancer remain dire, the Hirshberg Foundation remains hopeful. We continue to prioritize empowering patients and providing resources to navigate a diagnosis, the ultimate goal being a long and healthy life. Founder, Agi Hirshberg, recognizes that statistics are only a part of a much bigger picture and there is life beyond this disease. At the Hirshberg Foundation’s annual Symposium on Pancreatic Cancer she shared, “I have a problem with the word survivor, I’ve never been comfortable with the term. I prefer heroes, I prefer champions, I prefer warriors, I prefer fighters, or I just prefer plain healthy.” As the 5-year survival rate continues to inch up, the foundation will continue to help patients navigate their diagnosis and provide critical support services through our Director of Patient Programs, Amy Reiss. The opening of the Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Center is a vital resource available to patients too. Recognized nationally as a Clinical and Academic Center of Excellence, the needs of pancreatic cancer patients are met in one location with the most advanced treatment options.
The ACS report affirms that we are headed in the right direction, but there remains a critical need for our work to continue. As this new data is reviewed, we encourage you to be proactive and utilize the many resources available to our community. Start a personal cancer prevention plan by learning the risk factors today. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, contact us. The 18th Annual Symposium on Pancreatic Cancer will be held on April 13th in person at UCLA, with videos made available to watch online. Registration Opens soon!
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