The Detroit affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will hold its third annual  “Links for a Cure” golf event to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. The event will take place on Monday, June 1 at the exclusive Tam O’Shanter Country Club in West Bloomfield beginning at

9 a.m.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, yet it is the most under-funded, under-recognized and least-studied of the leading cancer killers. Currently, less than 2 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s federal research funding is allocated to pancreatic cancer. In 2009, an estimated 37,680 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 34,290 will die.

Pancreatic cancer was recently thrust into the national spotlight by actor Patrick Swayze’s public battle with the disease and the diagnosis and subsequent passing of Hall of Fame Detroit Pistons coach Chuck Daly and Dr. Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon University Professor who became known around the world after delivering his famous ‘last lecture.’

The “Links for a Cure” golf tournament costs $250 per golfer or $950 per foursome. Registration for just dinner costs $50 per person. Entry fees include 18 holes of golf, continental breakfast, lunch on the course, a cocktail reception and strolling dinner. In addition to live and silent auctions, there will be a brief program at dinner.