The five most important things to know about pancreatic cancer

BETHPAGE, N.Y., Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The first anniversary of the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs on October 5 reminds us of the importance and need for research in the fight against pancreatic cancer, the most lethal of all cancers. The Lustgarten Foundation, America's largest private foundation dedicated to funding pancreatic cancer research, today presents the top five things to know about pancreatic cancer:

1. It's a Silent Disease - Pancreatic cancer is often labeled a silent disease because many times the signs and symptoms can go unnoticed until the cancer is in the advanced stage. Even when there are early signs and symptoms, they may be vague and easily attributed to another disease. For example, potential symptoms may include fatigue, back pain, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, nausea and inflammation of the pancreas.

2. It's the Fourth-Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths - In the United States, pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. More than 37,000* people will die from the disease this year alone. Of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, just six percent survive five years and most with advanced cancer die within a year.

3. There are Different Types of Pancreatic Cancer - Although the most common type of pancreatic cancer is an adenocarcinoma tumor, which spreads quickly, some people - such as in the case of Steve Jobs - are diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer, a neuroendocrine tumor, which is slower growing.

4. More Research is Needed for Pancreatic Cancer - The disease's grim statistics underscore the importance of research in order to find a cure. Since it was founded in 1998, The Lustgarten Foundation has played an important role in the evolution of the field of pancreatic cancer research, devoting more than $42 million to more than 125 research projects at more than 40 medical and research centers worldwide.

5. With Research, There Is Hope - While there have been significant scientific discoveries in our understanding of the disease, much more needs to be done. Research offers hope for an early detection test, more effective long-term treatments and - ultimately - a cure. And, 100 percent of every dollar raised by The Lustgarten Foundation goes directly to research due to Cablevision's support of the Foundation.

For more information on The Lustgarten Foundation and pancreatic cancer, please visit www.curePC.org. The Lustgarten Foundation is also available to serve as a resource for stories about the disease and advancements in the field of pancreatic cancer research.

About The Lustgarten Foundation

The Lustgarten Foundation is America's largest private foundation dedicated to funding pancreatic cancer research. Based in Bethpage, New York, the Foundation supports research to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, facilitates dialogue within the medical and scientific community, and educates the public about the disease through awareness campaigns and fundraising events. The Foundation has provided millions of research dollars and assembled the best scientific minds with the hope that one day, a cure can be found. Cablevision Systems Corporation, a leading media and telecommunications company, underwrites all of The Lustgarten Foundation's administrative costs, so that 100 percent of every dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to pancreatic cancer research. Learn more at www.lustgarten.org.

* Source: American Cancer Society

The Lustgarten Foundation

CONTACT: Sabrina Strauss, Goodman Media International, +1-212-576-2700,sstrauss@goodmanmedia.com

Web site: http://www.lustgarten.org/

Source: http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=16019&Section=Disease

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