Only 6 percent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year will reach the five-year survival mark. It has the highest mortality rate of all cancers, but currently receives the lowest amount of federal funding for research compared to the other top five cancer killers.

There are no early detection tools and no effective treatments. Despite these facts, the federal government has no long-term comprehensive research strategy to combat pancreatic cancer.

Recently, a loved one passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a great man, serving the country proudly in the U.S. Navy for 25 years. He fought bravely in his battle with cancer, never losing faith. He underwent multiple experimental treatments in hopes of not only curing his own cancer, but helping to support researchers. In the end, he just prayed that God would take him away from the pain. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, and something that no one should ever have to go through.

The best way to fight this disease and change the status quo is to encourage passage of the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act (S. 362/H.R. 733). The bill would require the National Cancer Institute to develop a long-term comprehensive strategic plan to combat the disease.

I hope others will join me in support of the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Jennifer Sherwood, Auburn