Relative to Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

California Senate Resolution 62 (SR62), introduced by Senator Suzette Valladares and coauthored by Senator Roger Niello, officially designates November 2025 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in California. The resolution highlights the severe impact of pancreatic cancer, noting that in 2025, an estimated 67,440 people in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease, and 51,980 will die from it. SR62 acknowledges the efforts of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), a national organization headquartered in California, which has invested $126 million in pancreatic cancer research and received $15 million in federal funding in 2025. The resolution emphasizes the importance of increased awareness, early detection, and research to improve health outcomes for Californians affected by pancreatic cancer.

The passage of SR62 was met with positive reactions from health organizations and advocacy groups. The National Pancreas Foundation highlighted the importance of such resolutions in raising awareness about pancreatic cancer, which is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. They emphasized that increased awareness can lead to earlier detection and better treatment outcomes. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) also praised the resolution, noting that official recognition by the state can bolster public education efforts and support for ongoing research initiatives.

While SR62 was adopted unanimously with a 37-0 vote in the Senate, some critics argue that symbolic resolutions, though well-intentioned, may not lead to tangible policy changes or increased funding for pancreatic cancer research. They contend that while awareness is crucial, it should be accompanied by concrete actions such as allocating more resources for research, improving access to care, and implementing preventive measures. Without these steps, the impact of such resolutions may be limited.

Source: LegiScan roll call vote data.