Raising awareness about pancreatic cancer can save lives. Know the symptoms, wear purple, and advocate for research this November.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult tumors to prevent, detect, and treat. Most people are unaware of the risk factors and symptoms. With no standard test to detect pancreatic cancer in the general population, it is frequently discovered late, when treatment options are limited. It remains the deadliest of all common malignancies, with a 5-year survival rate of fewer than 9% (1). This is something that has barely improved over the last 50 years.

With public awareness so low, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is critical in the struggle to raise knowledge of the symptoms, ensure early detection, and save lives. Together, we can raise greater awareness about this disease.

When is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month?

November is observed as the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month (2). It is a global campaign to promote awareness about pancreatic cancer, support sufferers and their families, and lobby for further research and early identification of this lethal disease. It is a call to action to address the problems faced by pancreatic cancer and work towards better outcomes for those affected. Each year, the third Thursday of November is celebrated as World Pancreatic Cancer Day.

What is World Pancreatic Cancer Day?

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is an international effort to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest types of cancer. Its goal is to raise awareness of the dangers, symptoms, and treatment choices for pancreatic cancer, as well as to give sufferers and their loved ones hope.

How Can You Participate in World Pancreatic Cancer Month?

Participating in World Pancreatic Cancer Month helps individuals and communities to help battle the illness. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Awareness:

  Spread the word about pancreatic cancer, its risk factors, and symptoms with friends, family, and on social media.
  Wear Purple: The color purple is associated with pancreatic cancer awareness. Wear purple attire or accessories to express your support.




• Fundraising Efforts:

  Donate to organizations that support pancreatic cancer research, patient care, and awareness campaigns.




• Participate in activities:

  Cancer advocacy groups host local and virtual activities to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research.




• Advocate for Research:

  Encourage more research funding and early detection tools for pancreatic cancer in your community and beyond.




• Honor Survivors and Remember Loved Ones:

  To promote awareness of pancreatic cancer’s impact, share survivors’ tales and mourn those who have died from the disease.

History of World Pancreatic Cancer Month

A multinational collaboration of pancreatic cancer advocacy organizations founded World Pancreatic Cancer Month Its purpose is to raise awareness, offer support, and lobby for more research to improve pancreatic cancer outcomes. This yearly event has increased in size and significance, uniting individuals, healthcare professionals, and organizations to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

References:

1. Epidemiology of Pancreatic Cancer: Global Trends, Etiology and Risk Factors
   (Rawla P, Sunkara T, Gaduputi V. Epidemiology of Pancreatic Cancer: Global Trends, Etiology and Risk Factors. World J Oncol. 2019 Feb;10(1):10-27. doi: 10.14740/wjon1166. Epub 2019 Feb 26. PMID: 30834048; PMCID: PMC6396775.)




2. Twitter Conversations About Pancreatic Cancer by Health Care Providers and the General Public: Thematic Analysis
   (Grewal US, Gupta A, Doggett J, Lou E, Gusani NJ, Maitra A, Beg MS, Ocean AJ. Twitter Conversations About Pancreatic Cancer by Health Care Providers and the General Public: Thematic Analysis. JMIR Cancer. 2022 Mar 24;8(1):e31388. doi: 10.2196/31388. PMID: 35323123; PMCID: PMC8990342.)

Source-Medindia