Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest cancers and is often referred to as the silent killer, but it has the dubious distinction of being underfunded and understudied.

However, three charitable organizations in Atlantic Canada have banded together to donate $1.4 million to the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute to fund pancreatic cancer research.

The donation, made on behalf of Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society, the QEII Foundation and the Nova Scotia division of the Canadian Cancer Society, is the most significant single contribution from Atlantic Canada to be invested in pancreatic cancer research.

Gloria Barter’s sister Ruby died of pancreatic cancer, as did Ruby’s husband, George MacDonald. The couple left behind a generous donation for pancreatic cancer research.

“In the memory of so many others who have been touched by this horrible disease,” says Barter. “Hopefully it will lead to more hope and more options for people who are diagnosed in the future.”

The Canadian Cancer Society says pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in Canada for males and females, and is largely considered a disease that is underfunded and hard to treat.

Today, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is eight per cent.

Pamela Fralick, the CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, lost her father to pancreatic cancer 20 years ago.

“Not much has changed since then, and these people deserve more,” says Fralick.

Kelly Power considers herself one of the lucky ones; she survived pancreatic cancer and plans to run a marathon next year to celebrate her 5th anniversary of being cancer-free.

“You learn to cherish every moment you have and give other people with pancreatic cancer hope that there will be a cure in the future,” says Power.

Pancreatic cancer is one of six cancers on which the Canadian Cancer Society is focusing its efforts. The organization says it is committed to doubling the five-year survival rates for pancreatic, lung, ovarian, throat, brain and colorectal cancers, all of which are difficult to treat.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Kelland Sundahl