Wants to make pancreatic cancer a national priority

Oct 6, 2011 10:46 GMT  ·  By

In response to the death of Steve Jobs, Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the national organization fighting pancreatic cancer, is extending their deepest sympathy to the Apple co-founder’s family.

Although he had seemingly beaten a rare form of pancreatic cancer discovered years back, Steve Jobs came to his end yesterday, October 5, 2011, after losing almost a decade-long battle with the disease.

Fighting pancreatic cancer through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has issued its own statement regarding the passing of Steve Jobs.

"We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Steve Jobs, his friends and colleagues, and the entire Apple community. He was an American icon and among the greatest visionaries of our time, taken too soon,” said Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The institute acknowledges that "While Steve Jobs battled a rare form of pancreatic cancer (pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor), his passing, if due to pancreatic cancer, is a stark reminder of the severity of this deadly cancer and lack of effective treatment options available to patients.”

“Even those with the greatest access to treatments and the highest level of care cannot defeat this insidious disease,” the association said.

The death of Jobs further fuels their commitment to fighting the disease. Fleshman says that “It's time to make pancreatic cancer a national priority and give patients a fighting chance.”

“We invite all those inspired by this great man to join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in the fight against this devastating disease. We must come together to know, fight and end pancreatic cancer," Fleshman concludes.

Those looking to learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network can visit the organization at www.pancan.org. There, you can also learn about all forms of pancreatic cancer.