Upping early detection is goal this Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Advocacy groups across US say aim is earlier diagnosis, treatment
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Advocacy organizations across the U.S. are marking Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month this November with events and campaigns that aim to bring together patients, families, researchers, and supporters to shine a light on the disease and support efforts toward earlier diagnosis.
From fundraising galas and celebrations in Chicago, Boston, and New York City to educational webinars, virtual walks, and social media campaigns, the awareness month’s events offer people plenty of opportunities to get involved and learn more about pancreatic cancer, advocates say.
A major highlight of the month is World Pancreatic Cancer Day on Nov. 19, when the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition will unite organizations and supporters globally to raise awareness of the disease, which affects a sponge-like gland in the upper abdomen that supports both the digestive and endocrine systems. The initiative aims to help people recognize the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of pancreatic cancer, encourage conversations about the disease, and promote earlier diagnosis.
Supporters are invited to wear purple — the official color used to raise global awareness of this often deadly disease — and share photos on social media using the hashtag #WPCD. The coalition is also offering an online tool for creating personalized posts to help spread the message.
“Every voice helps bring greater visibility to a disease that urgently needs more attention,” the coalition states on its event website.
The campaign comes amid continued calls for better ways to detect pancreatic cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful. The disease is among the deadliest cancers worldwide, partly because symptoms often go unnoticed or are mistaken for those of other conditions. This can delay diagnosis until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
According to figures cited by the coalition, this year alone, an estimated 531,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer globally, and nearly 490,000 will lose their lives to the disease.
Events throughout month aim to raise pancreatic cancer awareness
On its website, The National Pancreas Foundation, based in the U.S., states: “Awareness matters: early detection saves lives, research needs funding, and equality in access to care can make a profound difference.”
The foundation is hosting three Courage for a Cure Awards Celebrations this month, bringing together patients, families, and supporters to honor people who have made a difference in the lives of those affected by pancreatic diseases and raise funds to support the foundation’s work.
The first celebration is scheduled for Nov. 6 at City Winery Chicago in Illinois, followed by events at the Harvard Club of Boston on Nov. 12 in Massachusetts and the Harvard Club of New York City on Nov. 18 in New York.
For those interested in learning about the latest advances in pancreatic cancer research, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is hosting a free virtual webinar on Nov. 19. The online event, “Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection: What’s on the Horizon?” is slated to run from 7-8 p.m.
Hosted by PanCAN’s chief scientific and medical officer, Anna Berkenblit, MD, the webinar will bring together experts in pancreatic cancer biology, imaging, and surgery to discuss promising approaches for diagnosing pancreatic cancer sooner. Participants will be able to have their questions answered.
PanCAN is also inviting supporters to join its All Together We Can campaign, which aims to accelerate research and expand patient support. People can use the organization’s online tool to create personalized social media posts, tag @PanCAN, and share their messages using #PanCANawareness.
Project Purple says research is at ‘critical tipping point’
Other organizations are also inviting supporters to turn awareness into action. The National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation will host its Visions in Violet Gala on Nov. 14 in Rapid City, South Dakota, while Project Purple is encouraging participation in its Be The Breakthrough campaign. The monthlong push aims to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research and provide financial assistance to patients and families.
Highlighting recent advances in pancreatic cancer research, Project Purple says the field has reached a “critical tipping point” and is calling on supporters to help accelerate progress.
“Whether we are funding the next major research milestone, or empowering patients and families to afford the cost of battling pancreatic cancer, now is the time to join us in saving lives. Now is the time to Be The Breakthrough,” the organization states on its website.
Beyond encouraging people to wear purple on World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Project Purple is also hosting a virtual Turkey Trot over Thanksgiving weekend. Participants can complete a 5K run or 1-mile walk from anywhere, whether in their neighborhood, on a treadmill, or alongside friends and family, to help raise awareness and funds for research and patient support.
Around the world, organizations are also marking the month with initiatives encouraging communities to get involved.
In Australia, Pankind is leading the Light It Purple campaign, with more than 270 landmarks across the country expected to glow purple throughout November, most on World Pancreatic Cancer Day. The Pancare Foundation is also supporting awareness efforts with an Unite for Hope walk on Nov. 15, while providing practical, emotional, and clinical support to people affected by pancreatic and other upper gastrointestinal cancers.
In the U.K., Pancreatic Cancer UK is marking its 20th anniversary with a monthlong awareness campaign, encouraging people to organize fundraisers, share information about symptoms, and light up homes and landmarks purple on Nov. 19. Meanwhile, Pancreatic Cancer Action has launched its Don’t Wait Until You’re Dying to Ask campaign, urging people not to dismiss possible symptoms and to seek medical advice sooner.
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