Created: 7/29/2009 12:59:25 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Of all the major cancers, pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate. About 95% of patients will die within five years of diagnosis, and only 5% survive more than 5 years. Also, of all the major cancers, research for pancreatic cancer has been the least funded since 1999. Pretty scary. The late State Senator Jim King, who died on Sunday from the disease, was a major supporter of cancer research and the Mayo Clinic. That's why Good Morning Jacksonville invited two local experts to our studios to talk about risk factors for the disease, and the help Sen. King gave to cancer research. You can see the interviews by clicking on the video to the right. News Anchor Phil Amato spoke with Dr. George Kim, a specialist on gastrointestinal cancers with the Mayo Clinic. Co-Anchor Joy Purdy spoke with Susan Smith, a volunteer with the local chapter of the national support organization Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Dr. Kim was one of Sen. King's doctors, and Susan talked about her group's efforts to inform congressional leaders about the deadly disease. To help raise funds for research, there's an easy way you can help. Join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at a special event in September; the first annual PurpleStride Jacksonville. It includes a 4-mile run, a 1-mile family walk, and plenty of refreshments and entertainment for all ages. Help fight this deadly disease, as the GMJ teams works to bring you relevant information to improve your way of life.
