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Friday, May 16, 2008
 
 

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Make a difference and be a catalyst for change. Help advance research and support others.

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How You Can Help

Your support can change the course of this disease. Whether it's by making a donation, joining our organization, or volunteering at an event, your efforts can make a difference.

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This Mothers Day, make a donation in honor/memory of your mother, to support the fight against Pancreatic Cancer.
 

Our Mission

The Rolfe Foundation serves as a catalyst for the early diagnosis and ultimate cure of pancreatic cancer by funding advanced medical research, public awareness initiatives, and educational programs.  The Foundation also seeks to increase the quality and quantity of emotional and psychological support services for pancreatic cancer patients and their families through partnerships with organizations that specialize in this type of care.

OUR GOALS ARE TO:

Advance the development of early detection.

Just as there is an early detection test for prostate cancer, the PSA, we support researchers working to develop a similar diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer in its early stage, when it's most treatable.

Fund medical research at leading clinical and academic centers.

The number of scientific investigators with a demonstrated focus on pancreatic cancer is limited, relative to other cancers. We raise money for top-tier research institutions that can attract more scientists dedicated to pancreatic cancer research.

Provide resources for pancreatic cancer patients, their families and friends.

It's not always easy to find information about pancreatic cancer. The Rolfe Foundation is a link to people and places for answers about this disease.
Save the Date:
June 7th  Sony's BMG recording artist Brooke Barretsmith will perform in concert in honor of her Uncle, H. Staten Barrettsmith, a five year pancreatic cancer survivor.
Click here for more details

Medical News

Smaller Pancreatic Tumors Greatly Increase Prognosis

The odds of surviving cancer of the pancreas increase dramatically for patients whose tumors are smallest, according to a new study by researchers at Saint Louis University and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston – the first study to specifically evaluate the link between tumor size and survival rates for one of the most common and deadly cancers.

Click here to learn more

Another Reason to Drink Red Wine


University of Rochester researchers showed for the first time that a natural antioxidant found in grape skins and red wine can help destroy pancreatic cancer cells by reaching to the cell's core energy source, or mitochondria, in crippling its function. For more information, click below.
 
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A Taste of Prevention

Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are often suggested to lower cholesterol.  Three studies recently presented at the American Association of Cancer Research show other benefits, lowering the chances of developing pancreatic, breast, neck and ovarian cancers. Tracking the eating habits of over 180,000 people in California and Hawaii one study found a 23% lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer among those eating a diet high in flavanols. Apples, berries, broccoli, onions and kale have the largest amount of flavonols.

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Promising Markers 

Scientists at Ohio State University reported the ability to distinguish malignant from benign pancreatic tissue.  They examined pancreatic cancer cells focusing on tiny molecules called microRNA that appear to be distinctive from nearby non-cancerous  or inflamed cells. Their encouraging study published in the May 2, 2007 Journal of the American Medical Association indicates a better method to predict survival and may lead to earlier detection.


Click here to read more about this report

Dental Health and Pancreatic Cancer

A study released in January 2007 by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found a link between gum disease and an increased risk for pancreatic cancer.


Vaccine Studied

Sixty pancreatic cancer patients recently received an experimental vaccine being studied by researchers at Emory University and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.  This targeted treatment stimulates the immune system to hunt down and destroy malignant cells. This new study is very promising, already extending the life of newly diagnosed patients.