Each November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month shines a light on one of the deadliest cancers. With a survival rate of less than 10%, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging to detect and treat, often due to symptoms that don’t appear until late stages.
Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer.
Raising awareness can help encourage early detection and support crucial research.
Pictured right – Our team showing their support for World Pancreatic Cancer Day
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer begins when cells in the pancreas, an organ involved in digestion and blood sugar regulation, start growing uncontrollably. Its location and subtle symptoms make early detection difficult, which is why awareness of potential symptoms is so important. Early warning signs can include:
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes),
• Unexplained weight loss,
• Upper abdominal pain, especially radiating to the back,
• Loss of appetite or nausea, and
• Changes in stool (pale or greasy stools).
These symptoms are not always indicative of pancreatic cancer, but knowing them can encourage early medical intervention, especially for those at higher risk.
What are the risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer?
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer, including:
• Age (it is more common in those over 60),
• Smoking (linked to 25% of cases),
• Diet and Obesity, and
• Genetics (family history and certain gene mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2).
Awareness of these risk factors can help individuals make lifestyle adjustments and monitor symptoms closely.
How is pancreatic cancer treated?
Currently, pancreatic cancer is typically treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Organisations like the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network are working to fund research for earlier detection and better treatments.
The more we understand pancreatic cancer, the closer we get to improved detection and treatment. By raising awareness this month, each of us can play a role in supporting research, fostering early detection, and ultimately helping to save lives.
Ways to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer
• Educate and Share: Share information about pancreatic cancer symptoms and risk factors with family and friends.
• Wear Purple or light up your home in purple on World Pancreatic Cancer Day on 21 November 2024 and post to social media.
• Participate in Events: Take on Challenge 24 in support of Pancreatic Cancer UK to help stop 24 people in the UK dying from pancreatic cancer every day.