SR 122

Introduced by Senator Valladares
(Coauthors: Senators Alvarado-Gil, Becker, Choi, Dahle, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Limón, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Seyarto, and Strickland)
 Relative to Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
WHEREAS, In 2026, an estimated 67,530 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 52,740 will die from the disease; and
WHEREAS, Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. It is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States and has a five-year relative survival rate of only 13 percent; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are typically vague, there is no standard early detection test for pancreatic cancer, and few effective treatments are available. Forty percent of pancreatic cancer patients will die within their first year of diagnosis and most patients are diagnosed late when the cancer has spread. Diagnosing pancreatic cancer in its earlier stages can lead to more treatment options, including surgery and better survival; and
WHEREAS, Despite its devastating impact, pancreatic cancer research continues to receive disproportionately low federal funding. In 2023, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) had a budget of nearly $7,700,000,000. In 2023, only $237,600,000 went towards pancreatic cancer research; and
WHEREAS, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is a national patient advocacy organization that takes bold action to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, building community, sharing knowledge, and advocating for patients. The organization has invested $249,000,000 in pancreatic cancer research and scientific programs to advance the field; and
WHEREAS, The good health and well-being of the residents of California are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments; now, therefore, be it
 Resolved by the Senate of the State of California,  That the Senate hereby recognizes that federal funding is not keeping pace with the tremendous interest and commitment by the scientific community to advance pancreatic cancer research; and be it further
 Resolved,  That the Senate hereby proclaims November 2026 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in California and urges all Californians to take action to end pancreatic cancer; and be it further
 Resolved,  That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.