Pancreatic cancer is now the third leading cause of cancer death in America. It is estimated that more than 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year and more than 41,000 – the equivalent of a small city – will die of it.
To increase awareness during the month of November and all year long, our friends at the Charlotte Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network are inviting you to get ready to go purple and join the thousands of others who are taking on this disease one stride, ride, ribbon, petition, purple purchase, voice, clinical trial and research breakthrough at a time.
Here are some Wage Hope Together events happening in November:
- Inspire others to be #PANCaware this November by posting a picture of how you Wage Hope on Twitter or Instagram. Mention the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network using @pancan and include hashtags #PANCaware and #WageHope. Learn more: http://support.pancan.org/site/PageNavigator/2016WHT_EnterContest.html
- The Charlotte Hornets will take on the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Nov. 18. Use Promo Code PURPLESTRIDE and $5 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
- The Kendra Scott Gives Back Party is an in-store shopping event on Sunday, Nov. 20. Twenty percent of the proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and every sale between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. count towards fundraising efforts. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/622103421287213/
- Join special guests Ron and Stephanie Rivera for the 2nd Annual Charity Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 20. Enjoy an evening of community and food at Bonterra Dining & Wine Room while raising awareness for pancreatic cancer. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/1149992051703013/
The exact causes of pancreatic cancer are not yet well understood. Research studies have identified certain risk factors (outlined below) that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop pancreatic cancer. Additional factors that may increase risk include being over 60 years old; being male; consuming a diet high in red or processed meats; and obesity.
Family History: If a person’s mother, father, sibling or child had pancreatic cancer, then that person’s risk for developing the disease increases 2-3 times.
Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer is more likely to occur in people who have longstanding diabetes (over 5 years). Research studies suggest that new-onset diabetes in people over the age of 50 may be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer.
Chronic Pancreatitis and Hereditary Pancreatitis: People with chronic pancreatitis have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Hereditary pancreatitis causes recurrent episodes of inflammation of the pancreas that generally start by the time a person is 20 years old.
Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor and may cause about 20-30 percent of all exocrine pancreatic cancer cases. People who smoke cigarettes are 2 times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than people who have never smoked.
Race (Ethnicity): African-Americans have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer than individuals of Asian, Hispanic or Caucasian descent.
Source: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
