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Charity says ‘Turn it purple’ for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth biggest cause of cancer death in the UK, however, it is set to become the 4th biggest by 2026 as other cancers’ survival rates continue to improve, according to UK charity Pancreatic Cancer Action.

It is asking people in Cardiff and around the UK to take action and Turn it PurpleTM this November for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Any diagnosis of cancer is life-changing, but what’s particularly horrific about pancreatic cancer is its survival rate.  Fewer than 7% of those who are diagnosed with the disease will survive past five years and most will die within 2-6 months.  This is the worst survival rate of any of the 22 common cancers and compares with 98%, 86%, and 67% survival for testicular, breast and cervical cancers respectively.

The survival statistics for pancreatic cancer have not changed markedly in nearly 50 years.

The UK is also lagging far behind the rest of the world in terms of pancreatic cancer survival. This year a study found that the UK comes 47th out of the 56 countries surveyed for 5-year survival rates for pancreatic cancer, moreover, by 2025 deaths from pancreatic cancer are predicted to be 25% higher than breast cancer in the EU.

Pancreatic cancer is almost always diagnosed too late for any effective treatment to be given, only 10% of patients are diagnosed in time for surgery (currently the only cure). In fact, half of those diagnosed with the disease find out about it in A&E. Knowing the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer is key for early diagnosis and improving survival rates.

Founded by a pancreatic cancer survivor, who proves early diagnosis is achievable and survival is possible, Pancreatic Cancer Action (PCA) is on a mission to increase survival rates of pancreatic cancer by ensuring more people are diagnosed early and in time for surgery.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease and PCA’s Turn it Purple campaign is an opportunity for communities to come together and turn the UK purple to highlight the importance of pancreatic cancer awareness.

This November, people all over the UK will be lighting buildings purple, holding ‘wear it purple’ and ‘bake it purple’ days and even planting purple pansies.

If you want to take action against pancreatic cancer you can order your free Turn it Purple pack.

If you are planning any Turn it Purple events locally, please let us know by emailing info@rhiwbina.info


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