Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month – Theme, History & Importance

Pancreatic cancer awareness month is a global healthcare event for the awareness of pancreatic cancer, which is observed for the entire month of November every year since the 2000s.

Various international and local organizations have joined hands in promoting the awareness of pancreatic cancer through diverse campaigns and activities aimed at prioritizing the necessity of the early pancreatic cancer diagnosis, subsequently its treatment and preventive tips to avoid the ailment.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is celebrated on every 3^rd Thursday of November. This year 2023, World Pancreatic Cancer Day will be marked on 16 November 2023.

• World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2022 – 17 November
• World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2021 – 18 November
• World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2020 – 19 November
• World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2019 – 21 November
• World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2018 – 15 November

Necessity for the awareness of Pancreatic Cancer

Being the 14th most prevalent cancer and the 7th leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, the incidence of pancreatic cancer differs dramatically between nations. A general trend of greater incidence rates in developed countries compared to poor countries, is observed proving that in countries with a higher Human Development Index, both males and females have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer.

The general awareness of pancreatic cancer is necessary, as the average pancreatic cancer patient gets to know about the disease eating away his life only at the advanced stages. The patient experiences the signs and symptoms of cancer only at its end stages, due to which even the treatment is also is difficult. 

Importance of Pancreatic cancer awareness month (Purple ribbon)

While around 82 lakhs of people die from cancer annually, 40 lakhs of them die prematurely. Given that pancreatic cancer is the 7th leading cause of cancer-related death, it is unfortunate that so few people are aware of its existence owing to the minimal attention it is getting.

The persistent underfunding and perception of 'difficult-to-treat pancreatic cancer' are reflected in the fact that survival rates (3-8%) have not improved in nearly five long decades.

Pancreatic cancer screening is an essential step towards early identification, necessitating increased public awareness and comprehension of the disease.

Pancreatic cancer awareness month has been recognised since the early 2000s, and is denoted on the medical calendar with a purple ribbon.

The Purple Ribbon effect

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month raised the awareness of pancreatic cancer, its symptoms, and risk factors substantially. In 2011, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer was only 3% while the figure was over 8% in 2021 demonstrating the effectiveness of Pancreatic Cancer Month awareness campaign. Due to COVID-19, this figure is now diminished to a 7.3% in 2022, indicating the much-needed hard work.

This Decade of Change is observed all over the world as an example, and to aim at increasing the five-year survival rate to 13% by 2030. 

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 2022 Theme

This year 2022, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month / World Pancreatic Cancer Day is “It’s About Time”. It denotes the urgency in waking up the masses and elite alike about the ailment of pancreatic cancer by spreading awareness and advocacy for early detection through screening.

This year's 2022 Theme, "It’s About Time", continues to encourage and educate people to understand the importance of pancreatic cancer signs and symptoms and get an early diagnosis to prevent complications.

A Korean study published in 2020 demonstrated the privilege of a pancreatic cancer patient who learnt about the affliction lies in the influence of the patient over the choice of treatment method. This subsequently increases the satisfaction as well as reduces the anticipated conflicts when making treatment decisions.

Preventive tips for pancreatic cancer

A modest number of risk factors have been discovered for pancreatic cancer, including smoking, genetic vulnerability, and advancing age. Recent research has found advances in the treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer.

As long as pancreatic tumours are often diagnosed too late, the most important obligation for every individual on earth is to adopt a healthy outlook and prevent death in the near future.

Vaccination against diseases that affect carcinogenesis incurs no additional costs for the individual.

Changes in lifestyle could significantly reduce the incidence of pancreatic cancer without causing serious negative effects.

Changes in lifestyle may also enable us to remain healthier and happier. The advice comprises:

• Being in good shape, slender
• Quitting smoking and tobacco usage
• Alcohol consumption in moderation
• Consuming fewer preserved foods containing sodium
• Consuming less red and processed meat
• Consuming more fruits and veggies

Department of Gastroenterology