Let's Get Our Purple On! Awareness Of Pancreatic Cancer

A purple ribbon. A post on social media. Purple banners in the workplace. How else can we raise awareness of pancreatic cancer in India?

A disease with a dire survival rate of 3 to 8% - pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal diseases. It is therefore imperative that we spread the word to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer on November 17.  

Let's dig deep into how we can raise awareness of pancreatic cancer this pancreatic cancer awareness month.

Source: Freepik

Let’s Talk Risk Factors!

Did you know pancreatic cancer ranks 18th in mortality in India?

Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst prognoses of any cancer. Limited research is present for pancreatic cancer. As a result of the late clinical onset of the disease, the diagnosis most often occurs at an advanced stage.

One can always look for preventive measures:

They may include: 

• Indigestion

• Changes in stool and urine (Dark-colored-urine and light-colored stool) 

• Abdominal pain

• Yellowing skin and eyes (Jaundice)

Source: Canva

Early Detection Saves Lives

For people with cancer, early detection and treatment are essential. Since the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are not specific and common, it is challenging to diagnose. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialist before it is too late.

Here are a few potential risk factors that can lead to pancreatic cancer:

• Diabetes 

• Smoking 

• Chronically inflamed pancreas

• Family history of genetic disorders

• Family history of pancreatic cancer 

• Above the age of 65

How Can You Get Involved? 

We're up against the barrier of insufficient knowledge of this cancer. The only way to tackle this is to create more awareness and understanding of cancer among the public.

• Educate yourself and others about pancreatic cancer screenings 

People have the least information about the signs and symptoms of this lethal disease. Knowing the risks of developing pancreatic cancer can help in early detection, which makes cancer more treatable. Therefore, advise your loved ones to see a doctor if they have a history of diabetes or other risk factors.

• Spreading the word is the key!

The best way to raise awareness is to spread your message to the public, but how do we go about it? Start small. Post a picture on social media. It could be symptoms or a few facts about the disease. 

• Raising Awareness In The Office

  
  

Source: Canva

• Take a survey

Conducting a survey will help your coworkers to understand how extensively they are aware of the disease and accordingly take action.

• Create Posters

A graphic poster on signs and symptoms or just a few facts about pancreatic cancer on the bulletin board will make people aware more about the cause. 

• Hold a Seminar

A seminar can create awareness about the current situation of pancreatic cancer. So it’s essential to conduct such an impactful seminar where one can have a great understanding of the current situation of pancreatic cancer.

• Wear Purple

Your coworkers can fight pancreatic cancer by wearing purple on Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day! Wear purple or a purple ribbon, and show your community that you are fighting pancreatic cancer with hope.

• Make It Real

Use real-life examples to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. Make sure to have consent before you share these stories.

• Start a Fundraiser

ImpactGuru has a huge impact on countless individuals in need and appreciates the joy of giving. You can start a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer patients, raise funds for related awareness workshops, and more by clicking here.

To know more about ImpactGuru and what it does, click here. 

Source: Freepik

While generic statistics for pancreatic cancer awareness can be heartbreaking, there is always a light of hope that things will get better. So wear your purple ribbons this month and raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. 

*Please note that any views expressed are those of the authors’ and do not reflect the beliefs, opinions, or views of ImpactGuru.