It’s November and apart from No-shave November and Movember initiatives, it is also Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month! Pancreatic cancer is the 13th most common cancer and the 8th most common death from cancer in the world. One would be shocked to know that pancreatic cancer has the worst prognosis and survival rate compared to any other cancer mainly because it is often diagnosed late, usually in the advanced stages. Apart from this, there is a lack of diagnostic markers to detect pancreatic cancer in its earlier stages so, difficulty in diagnosis. Another problem with pancreatic cancers is the aggressive nature of the adenocarcinomas that don’t respond successfully to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatment modalities. Some risk factors for pancreatic cancers include a family history of the disease, especially in a close relative, diabetes mellitus, smoking, increased age of the individual (over 50yrs) and alcohol.
Pancreatic awareness month is celebrated in November each year to honour the patients who are fighting the disease, to celebrate those who have survived it and to honour those who couldn’t make it. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease, and educate people about it to promote early detection and help increase the survival rates. Also, November 21st is observed as Pancreatic Cancer Day!
Have you done your bit towards pancreatic cancer awareness yet?
