Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
We can't really walk in another person's purple shoes until we've tried them on ourselves. Although, some shoes we'd rather not try on, ever. November is pancreatic cancer awareness month. Unfortunately, there is no cure for pancreatic cancer and it isn't very understood or recognized. If you're like me, who up until recently wondered where exactly the pancreas is located, then you'd probably like to know that the pancreas is a small organ situated behind your stomach.
Up until two years ago I'd never even heard of pancreatic cancer. Now, I've lost 4 people I've known well to it, in that short time period. My Dad's best friend and neighbour for 70 odd years was diagnosed with it, and subsequently passed on 3 months later. Then there was my father in law in Denmark, who luckily enough caught it in time to get successful treatment, but otherwise the outlook would have been dire; his neighbour was not so lucky. Not long after that, my former employer of 9 years, back in Canada was diagnosed, and all too quickly lost the fight at the ripe young age of 54. Recently, my father succumbed to the deadly disease. The news that beloved actor, dancer, and artist extraordinaire, Patrick Swayze had pancreatic cancer brought international attention to the dreaded disease, but there is still a "long way to Tipperary."
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. of A, with a five year survival rate of only 5%. It's imperative that pancreatic cancer is caught in its earliest stages, as once it spreads, the prognosis and treatment becomes pretty discouraging. However, pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect in its early days because the symptoms mimic many other, less serious illnesses. Tiredness, weight loss, heartburn, dull aching in the back are just some of the signs. Heck, I experience these common symptoms on a daily basis!
For events, campaigns or ways to just get involved in Copenhagen or around the world contact your local cancer society. You can start by wearing something purple like a pancreatic cancer awareness wristband or "tie a purple ribbon around the old oak trees," on your yard or in the streets. I'm going to wear so much purple this month you'll mistake me for the singer-songwriter Prince, circa 1984.
http://www.pancreaticcancercanada.ca
