WORLD PANCREATIC CANCER DAY

The theme for World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2022 is “It’s About Time”.

It is an organ located in the abdomen. It plays an essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for our body's cells. The pancreas has two main functions: an exocrine function that helps in digestion and an endocrine function that regulates blood sugar.

It is a cancer that begins in the organ lying behind the lower part of the stomach (pancreas). This type of cancer is often detected late, spreads rapidly and has a poor prognosis.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is an initiative of the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition. It is a day that unites the world’s population in the fight against pancreatic cancer during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. It is observed on the third Thursday of November every year, this year it is on 17th November.

Six continents, 30 countries, and many health organizations have joined hands to encourage awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and treatment of pancreatic cancer as a mission to save more lives. The first pancreatic cancer day was observed on 13th November in the year 2014.

It's not clear what causes pancreatic cancer. Some factors that may increase the risk of this type of cancer, include- smoking and having certain inherited gene mutations.

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don't occur until the disease is advanced. They may include: Pain in the abdomen or middle back, fluid in the abdomen or nausea, fatigue or loss of appetite, dark urine, weight loss, or yellow skin and eyes

Treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer as well as on your overall health and personal preferences. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of these, as well as clinical trials and palliative care.