Global Pancreatic Cancer Funding Falls Behind Rising Death Toll

Pancreatic Cancer Funding Lags Behind, Despite Rising Incidence and Mortality Rates A recent analysis of global pancreatic cancer data has revealed a stark reality: despite being one of the deadliest forms of cancer, pancreatic cancer research funding continues to lag behind other common cancers. According to a study published in the Annals of Surgery, funding for pancreatic cancer research by the US National Cancer Institute increased by 38% between 2017 and 2023, but still trails behind other cancers. This disparity may be contributing to the lack of breakthroughs in treating the disease. Globally, pancreatic cancer accounted for 508,533 cases in 2021, up from 207,905 in 1990, according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. In the United States, pancreatic cancer accounts for 3.3% of all new cancer cases, but has one of the lowest survival rates, making up 8.4% of annual US cancer deaths. The trend of rising pancreatic cancer diagnoses is particularly alarming, with an increase in incidence rates for all age groups over the past few decades. In the United States, the rate of increase in diagnoses between 2010 and 2019 was higher for women under 55 years old than for men in the same age group. This trend is especially concerning for US women aged 15-34, where the rate of increase in diagnoses has been rising faster than in men. The lack of funding for pancreatic cancer research may be contributing to the limited number of clinical trials and breakthroughs in treating the disease. According to a study published in the Annals of Surgery, the number of clinical trials for pancreatic cancer has been declining over the past decade, despite an increase in funding. This trend is concerning, as clinical trials are essential for developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes. The pharmaceutical industry has been working to develop new treatments for pancreatic cancer, but the lack of funding and limited number of clinical trials have hindered progress. Companies such as Celgene, Merck, and Roche have been investing in pancreatic cancer research, but the returns on investment have been limited. The future outlook for pancreatic cancer research is uncertain, but experts predict that the trend of rising diagnoses and mortality rates will continue unless funding increases. The World Health Organization has recognized pancreatic cancer as a major public health concern, and has called for increased funding and research to combat the disease. In conclusion, the lack of funding for pancreatic cancer research is a pressing concern that must be addressed. The rising incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer demand a concerted effort from governments, pharmaceutical companies, and researchers to develop new treatments and improve patient outcomes.