Sky Foundation has an overarching goal of raising public awareness for pancreatic cancer through educational events and funding scientific research. Pancreatic cancer is a silent cancer, yet it is the third leading cause of all cancer-related deaths in the United States. Symptoms can occur when the cancer has spread to other organs, resulting in a poor prognosis and outcome. Currently, there is a survival rate of 11% after diagnosis and only one-fifth of Americans diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive for a full year.
Black History Month serves as an extra opportunity to further highlight the need for educational awareness of pancreatic cancer and the incidence within the African American population. I am an African American female, a 14.5-year pancreatic cancer survivor, and a self-proclaimed miracle with multiple blessings. As a Board member of Sky Foundation, I have a broader avenue & opportunity to assist with education for awareness of this terrible disease. I also fundraise for research and offer hope to pancreatic patients with my personal testimony of survival.
Adding to the insidious nature of this cancer, racial/ethnic disparities are well documented that greatly impact the diagnosis, specialist consultation, treatment, and survival outcome of African Americans. This population has the highest incidence of pancreatic cancer than any other racial group. After diagnosis, they are less likely to undergo evaluation by a surgeon or receive surgery than any other racial group in the U.S. However, even when diagnosed the cancer is often at an advanced stage and therefore, inoperable.
As a survivor, sharing my experience includes the need for a second opinion from a highly skilled physician in the specialty of pancreatic cancer, genetic and biomarker testing. It is also highly encouraged to participate in a clinical trial if possible and seeking help with self-advocacy and support.
Sky Foundation’s website provides more information on all areas of this subject. Please visit the website to learn about the innovative research that Sky funds from coast to coast: www.SkyFoundationInc.org.
Article written by Edna Jackson-Gray