Springfield Resident Talks Cancer with Congressman Lance

Springfield resident and cancer advocate Stephanie Blash met with Congressman Leonard Lance this week to talk about the fight against pancreatic cancer.

As Blash, the events coordinator for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, has noted in on Springfield Patch, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with 94 percent of pancreatic cancer patients dying within five years of diagnosis. Despite pancreatic cancer’s toll, the National Cancer Institute dedicates only two percent of its funding dedicated to pancreatic cancer research.

Blash praised Lance for his work fighting pancreatic cancer in Congress.  Earlier this year, Lance and Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) introduced the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act, H.R. 733.

The  legislation proposes research initiatives and programs that would facilitate finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. Once enacted, the legislation would provide scientists with the resources to make progress in developing diagnostic methods and treatments currently lacking for pancreatic cancer patients.

Earlier this week, Lance spoke to more than 500 cancer survivors and advocates participating in the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s annual meeting in Washington. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nationwide network of people dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer.