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KNOW THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate among all major cancers.

  • Early detection saves lives.

  • Purple is the global symbol for Pancreatic Cancer

Fast Facts
Symptoms

The symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer are often vague and may at first appear to be associated with other less serious and more common conditions – 

  • Abdominal pain

  • Mid-back pain

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Jaundice (Yellow skin or eyes)

  • Loss of appetite, Nausea

  • Changes in stool

  • Indigestion

  • New onset diabetes

Risks

The cause of the majority of pancreatic cancer cases is unknown. If you have two or more first-degree relatives who have had pancreatic cancer, you may be at a higher risk.

 

There is evidence that the following may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer – 

  • Ageing

  • Pancreatitis

  • Diabetes

  • Family history of Pancreatic Cancer

  • Excessive alcohol consumption, diet

  • Smoking

In Australia, Pancreatic Cancer patients are given a 7.7% chance of surviving at least 5 years (2013 figures).

 

To give perspective, people diagnosed with breast cancer have a 90% chance of 5 year survival (2014 figures).  Let’s follow the lead of Breast Cancer Awareness advocates who have shown us what is possible.

 

We see pink. Now it’s time for people to see purple, to get involved, to give generously and help rewrite the future of pancreatic cancer.

*Sources include Cancer Council Australia, PanCare Organisation Australia, Pancreatic Cancer Action Organisation and  https://pancreatic-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au/statistics

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