House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer

Rep. Robert Matzie    November 16, 2023 | 11:21 AM

HARRISBURG, Nov. 16 – The PA House on Wednesday adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer – a disease expected to kill more than 50,000 people in the United States this year.

Matzie, D-Beaver, said he introduced H.R. 227 – which designates November 2023 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania – to keep the focus on a fast-spreading, difficult-to-detect disease that is the nation’s third-leading cause of cancer death.

“This issue is deeply personal for so many of us who have seen a loved one battle pancreatic cancer,” Matzie said. “New strategies like immunotherapy and testing to identify and target genetic mutations are promising, but so much more is needed. One thing is clear: we need to keep the spotlight on this insidious disease until research brings the breakthrough we need to change the numbers.”

Some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are jaundice, which may include dark urine and stool changes; back or abdominal pain; weight loss and poor appetite; nausea and vomiting; and pancreatitis and recent-onset diabetes. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, age, race, family history and certain inherited genetic syndromes.

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