Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SR0494

SR0494 LRB104 16014 LAW 29267 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer, possessing a devastating five-year survival rate below 13%; and

WHEREAS, Early detection offers the best chance to improve survival, but symptoms are often vague and appear late, and most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages; and

WHEREAS, More than 64,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are projected in the U.S. for 2025, with rates rising among younger adults; and

WHEREAS, Established national guidelines exist for individuals at high risk, specifically those with certain inherited, or germline, mutations or a significant family history of pancreatic cancer, and these individuals may benefit from specialized surveillance in dedicated high-risk clinics; and

WHEREAS, Despite these recommendations, pancreatic cancer awareness among patients and providers remains low, and many at-risk individuals are not connected to the care that could help detect cancer earlier; and

WHEREAS, Raising awareness of pancreatic cancer, its risk factors, and the availability of high-risk surveillance programs is critical to improving outcomes and fostering earlier conversations between patients, families, and healthcare providers; and

WHEREAS, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually during the month of November, with a purple ribbon representing pancreatic cancer awareness and solidarity; and

WHEREAS, World Pancreatic Cancer Day will be observed on November 20, 2025; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare November 2025 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in the State of Illinois to raise awareness of the disease and show solidarity for those affected by pancreatic cancer.