Governor Proclaims World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2023

WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers and is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, surpassing breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, an estimated 64,050 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 50,550 people will die from the disease; in North Carolina, an estimated 2,020 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 1,630 will die from the disease; and

WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer has a five-year relative survival rate of just 12.5 percent; and

WHEREAS, when symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves, it is generally in later stages; only 10 percent of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed when the disease is confined to their pancreas, and 91 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first five years; and

WHEREAS, there is no standard diagnostic tool or established early detection for pancreatic cancer; and

WHEREAS, increased awareness of pancreatic cancer is of the utmost importance since it is the seventh most common cause of cancer-related death across the world; and

WHEREAS, the good health and well-being of the residents of North Carolina are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about the symptoms and risks of pancreatic cancer, and collaborative research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 16, 2023, as “WORLD PANCREATIC CANCER DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.