Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Begins
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, with World Pancreatic Cancer Day taking place later in the month – 21 November.
The disease can be one of the most difficult forms of cancer to diagnose and treat, making it vital that the disease is caught early. This means that awareness is hugely important.
This month will see a range of events and activities taking place to help raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.
Who does pancreatic cancer affect?
As people age, their risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases. Cancer Research UK (CRUK) explained that this is down to cell DNA damage accumulating over time. the damage can be caused by biological processes or exposure to risk factors. Pancreatic cancer occurs most often in people aged over 50, but it is possible to be diagnosed with the disease at any age.
CRUK also found that one in 53 UK males and 1 in 57 UK females will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in their lifetimes. Smoking is a major risk factor, with 22% of cases caused by smoking, said the charity. Meanwhile, obesity is responsible for 12% of pancreatic cancer cases.
According to the charity Pancreatic Cancer UK, pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all common cancers, with five-year survival less than 7%. It also said that the five-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer in the UK is behind the rest of the world, with the UK ranking 29th out of 33 countries with comparable data. It is the 11th most common cancer and is the fifth biggest cancer killer in the UK.
Awareness-raising events
Pancreatic Cancer UK is encouraging people to get involved in one of a number of events to raise funds and awareness for the disease. They include marathons, bike rides, hikes and other challenges, including skydiving.
The charity has also suggested organising bake sales to raise funds to donate to research into the disease. It has also proposed some other ideas, including hosting a quiz, dyeing your hair purple – the colour of the ribbon used to show support – organising a dance or a karaoke evening.
Pancreatic Cancer UK said: “Pancreatic cancer is a tough one but we're taking it on. It is tough to diagnose, tough to treat and tough to research.
“For too long this disease has been side-lined. We want to make sure that everyone affected by it gets all the help they need.”
If you’ve suffered from a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, you could be entitled to compensation to help make your life more comfortable. Contact First4Lawyers’ team of understanding and compassionate advisors to find out more. Just request a call back or start your claim online to discuss your situation with us.
