CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice issued a proclamation today, designating November 2019 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month in West Virginia.
A ceremony was held in the Governor’s Reception Room at the State Capitol Building today to present the proclamation.
It is estimated that 1,475 West Virginians will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year. It is one of the nation’s deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of just nine percent.
Pancreatic cancer is the ninth-most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and tenth for men. Risk factors for developing this disease include family history, age, chronic or hereditary pancreatitis, smoking, obesity, and long-standing diabetes.
Indicating that the “good-health and well-being of the citizens of West Virginia are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection,” the proclamation cites the need to support the patients currently battling the disease, as well as remembering those who have lost their battle to this cancer.