Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a disease that begins when cells in the glandular organ behind the stomach, the pancreas, grow out of control and form a mass. Given the aggressive nature of the most common forms of this cancer, dedicated global efforts are necessary to elevate public understanding and support for research. Awareness campaigns are designed to educate people about the subtle signs of the disease and the urgent need for earlier detection.
Identifying the Awareness Month
The official designation for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is November. This month-long campaign is a focused period dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the disease, its symptoms, and the need for increased research funding. The awareness effort is visually marked by the color purple, which is used for the symbolic ribbon and is worn by supporters throughout the month. The month also includes World Pancreatic Cancer Day, observed globally on the third Thursday of November, which unites communities in advocating for progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Urgent Need for Awareness
The necessity for a dedicated awareness month stems from the severity of this disease. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, largely due to typically late diagnosis. Four out of five individuals are diagnosed at a late stage where the cancer has progressed beyond the pancreas, often making curative surgery impossible.
The five-year relative survival rate for all stages of pancreatic cancer is approximately 13%. This figure is significantly lower for the most common form, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which accounts for about 90% of cases. Pancreatic cancer is currently the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and is projected to become the second-leading cause in the coming years. The minimal improvement in survival rates over recent decades underscores the need for greater public and scientific attention.
Recognizing Key Symptoms and Risk Factors
A major goal of awareness efforts is to educate the public on the subtle signs that often lead to delayed diagnosis. One visible symptom is jaundice, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes, which occurs when a tumor blocks the common bile duct. Other common symptoms include unexplained weight loss and pain located in the upper abdomen or the middle of the back. Digestive issues such as light-colored stools, dark urine, nausea, and loss of appetite are also frequently reported.
A sudden onset of Type 2 diabetes in people over the age of 50, particularly those with a low body mass index or no family history of the condition, may also be an early sign. The disease has well-established risk factors that can be broadly categorized as controllable or uncontrollable. Major controllable factors include tobacco smoking, which is linked to about 20% of cases, and obesity. People with chronic pancreatitis, a condition often caused by heavy alcohol use, also face an elevated risk. Uncontrollable risk factors include increasing age, as most diagnoses occur after age 60, and a family history of pancreatic cancer or certain inherited genetic conditions.
Ways to Participate in Awareness Efforts
The November awareness month provides numerous opportunities for the general public to support the fight against this disease.
Ways to Participate
- Wear purple clothing or a purple ribbon to spark conversations and draw attention to the cause.
- Utilize social media platforms to disseminate information about symptoms and risk factors, using hashtags like #PurpleforaPurpose.
- Make financial contributions to organizations dedicated to research and patient support, such as the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
- Contact elected representatives to encourage increased government funding for cancer research.