Dear Editor,
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to supporting the estimated 685 Queenslanders living with the disease, and the 520 Queenslanders who will be diagnosed this year.
It is one of the five leading causes of cancer death in Queensland, but remains one of the hardest cancers to detect and treat.
With your support, we will continue to invest in research and support for those affected, including carers and families.
There is no routine screening test for pancreatic cancer, so it’s vital to know the symptoms of the disease, including abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, changes in bowel motions, and jaundice.
Sometimes symptoms only occur once the disease has advanced, making it much harder to beat.
Don’t delay talking to your GP if you experience any of these symptoms. If we detect it early, we have a better chance of treating it more effectively.
While the causes of pancreatic cancer are unknown, factors that can put people at higher risk are smoking, older age, diabetes, a family history of pancreatic, ovarian or colon cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and gastrectomy surgery.
Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.
This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, share this knowledge with your loved ones and do what you can to reduce your risk.
Tragically, around 450 Queenslanders will die this year from pancreatic cancer. Please remember those lost in your thoughts this November, and make a donation to cancer research.
Research is the key to beating this devastating disease.
If you or a loved one is affected by pancreatic cancer, call 13 11 20 or visit us at www.cancerqld.org.au.
Thank you for supporting Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Professor Jeff Dunn AO
Chief Executive Officer
Cancer Council Queensland
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171