BOSTON (WWLP) - Ahead of World Pancreatic Cancer Day on Thursday, lawmakers and advocates came together for a legislative briefing about a bill that could increase survival rates. Pancreatic cancer has the second highest mortality rate of any cancer in Massachusetts, and 1 in 46 men and 1 in 60 women will face the disease in their lifetimes. The 5-year survival rate of the cancer sits at just 13%, and both the incidence and death rates are significantly higher for people of color. This bill looks to decrease death rates by increasing screening and education and creating a council that analyzes and improves pancreatic cancer care in the state. One legislative sponsor--Representative Hannah Kane--says there is sufficient support for the bill to push it through next session. "Between the amazing advocacy organizations, between the support that you see in the legislature from all the co-sponsorships, we should be able to get this done this session," said Kane. Northampton Senator Jo Comerford is a lead sponsor on the legislation. She spoke about the unique challenges western Massachusetts faces in fighting pancreatic cancer. "In Western Massachusetts, we struggle disproportionately with access to primary care, access to specialty care, our hospitals are small and struggling. So we have a special mix of the pressures of rural Massachusetts," said Comerford. You can commemorate World Pancreatic Cancer Day on Thursday by sporting purple and raising awareness about the disease. You can lower your risk of pancreatic cancer by: Quitting all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, and vapes. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Limiting workplace exposure to chemicals. Eating fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugary drinks and red meat. Getting regular physical exercise.