Charity Tandem Skydive with Pancreatic Cancer Action

Pancreatic Cancer Action (PCA) is a National Charity that has been set up by a very rare survivor of the disease whose mission it is to improve survival rates by getting more people diagnosed in time for surgery.

Only 3% of pancreatic cancer patients will live beyond 5 years after diagnosis. This dreadful statistic has been the same for over 40 years. Why? Because sadly only 10% of patients are diagnosed in time for surgery - currently our only potential for a cure.

Pancreatic cancer has been underfunded for decades. Despite being predicted to be the 4th biggest cancer killer in the UK by the end of 2011, pancreatic cancer still receives less than 2% of total research funding.

Pancreatic cancer is under funded, under-researched and in dire need of publicity.

It is vital that we raise awareness of this dreadful disease so more will go to their doctors in time. PCA is working on public awareness campaigns to do just that.

We want medical professionals to have their knowledge refreshed so they are better able to spot the disease sooner and manage treatment for patients better which is why we are working on providing them with free accredited training programmes.

We are also looking into funding of research specifically into early diagnosis - for simple tests that can enable a faster diagnosis and save lives.

We have seen survival rates almost double in 40 years for other cancers (such as breast) when rates for pancreatic cancer have stood still. Public awareness campaigns for those diseases have led to increased investment.

We need increased investment into pancreatic cancer so it is better understood, treatable and familiar.

Please support us in our mission to "Change the Numbers" for pancreatic cancer.

Every donation, large or small is very gratefully received. Thank you.

Pancreatic Cancer Action,
Registered Charity No. 1137689

Unit 9,
Oakhanger Farm Business Park,
Oakhanger,
Hampshire,
GU35 9JA.

t. 0303 040 1770
e. fundraising@panact.org
w. http://pancreaticcanceraction.org