The pancreas is a long, flat gland that lies in the abdomen behind the stomach.
It produces enzymes that aid digestion and certain hormones that help maintain the proper level of blood sugar.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in the U.S. in 2009, there will be 42, 470 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 35, 420 deaths from pancreatic cancer, making it the nation's fourth leading cause of cancer death overall.
Unlike other cancers, there is no screening test for pancreatic cancer.
There are also no symptoms until the cancer has begun to spread, which accounts for the cancer's dismal survival rate.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, and only 5 per cent of people who are diagnosed are known to survive five years later, according to the American Cancer Society.
It is sometimes claimed that the US has the worst health care system in the industrialized world.
Statistics showing how unhealthy Americans are, such as rates of heart disease, diabetes, and low birth weights, are provided to support this view. Correlation does not imply causation, however.
Myth #1: the United States has the worst health care system.
Myth #2: European nations have "socialized medicine" and the United States does not.
Myth #3: Republicans have not presented any alternatives to the Democrats'plans.
Keep in mind that your health insurance premium costs will vary depending on how high your deductible is and what kind of coverage you have. Generally the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premiums.
Twitter
Facebook
More