Cancer of the pancreas is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. This year, approximately 32,000 Americans will die from pancreatic cancer.  The disease is not only common, but it is also extremely difficult to treat. For these and other reasons, cancer of the pancreas has been called "the challenge of the 21st century."

Some facts about pancreatic cancer:

- The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age.  Over 80% of the cases develop between the ages of 60 and 80.

- Cigarette smoking, diabetes and poor diet are among the known risk factors.

- Pancreatic cancer has a 99% mortality rate.

- Of all the major cancers, pancreatic cancer receives the least amount of research funding from the federal governement.