Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month – November 2024

Posted by: melissafranklin - Posted on:

November is a month of empowerment, education, and inspiration for communities far and wide who have been touched by pancreatic cancer. It is our opportunity to shine a light on this disease, to elevate our voices to raise awareness and to invite others to join us on the journey towards a cure. During this month, the pancreatic cancer community aims to raise awareness and highlight the impact of this disease worldwide. About 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year.

There are several different types of pancreatic cancer. Types are described based on:

  • where it is in the pancreas
  • the type of cell they start from.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer may not cause symptoms for a long time. Some people may only have one symptom.

Some possible symptoms are:

  • pain and discomfort in the upper part of the tummy (abdomen) that sometimes spreads out into the back
  • signs of jaundice such as yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, itchy skin, dark pee (urine) or pale and smelly poo (stools) that are difficult to flush away (steatorrhoea)
  • unexplained weight loss.

Most people with these symptoms will not have pancreatic cancer. They may be caused by other more common conditions.  But if you have any symptoms, it is important to get them checked by your doctor.