World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month has ARRIVED

Download our resources, track your health with our Patient Symptom Tracker, and help spread the word on social media. Together, we can make early detection a reality.

Christopher Cutler Updated on Nov 3, 2024 4 min read

November marks World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, an international campaign led by the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC). This global initiative focuses on raising awareness about pancreatic cancer, the urgent need for early detection, and educating the public on recognizing symptoms and understanding risks. The Heather Cutler Foundation is proud to join this effort, standing with WPCC and advocates worldwide to bring attention to this often-overlooked disease.

Why Focus on the Pancreas? The #HelloPancreas Campaign

With this year’s theme, “Hello Pancreas,” we’re inviting people to reconnect with their pancreas—a vital organ often overlooked. The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation, but when it stops functioning correctly, the results can be life-altering. Pancreatic cancer is aggressive and often detected late, leading to low survival rates. By increasing awareness, we can help more people recognize early signs and take proactive steps.

Key Messages for World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

1. Early Detection Matters

Early diagnosis, especially for those eligible for surgery, can significantly improve survival rates. The earlier pancreatic cancer is detected, the better the chances for effective treatment and longer-term survival.

• Listen to Your Body: Don’t ignore potential symptoms. Seek medical advice if something feels off.

• Impactful Statistics: Did you know that early-diagnosed patients have up to a five-year survival rate that’s significantly higher than those diagnosed late?

2. Know the Symptoms & Risks

Recognizing the symptoms early can save lives. Watch for symptoms like:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Mid-back pain

• New-onset diabetes

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Understanding these signs can help you take timely action.

• Risk Factors: Age, family history, smoking, obesity, and chronic pancreatitis all increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

3. Get Involved with #HelloPancreas

Join the conversation and help raise awareness using #HelloPancreas on social media. Every post, share, and conversation matters. Talk to friends, share your knowledge, and help spread the importance of early detection. When we speak from the heart, others are more likely to connect with our message.

Campaign Highlights

This year, The Heather Cutler Foundation is proud to participate in the WPCC’s “Hello Pancreas” campaign. We’re sharing information throughout November to encourage the public to learn more about their pancreas and the risks associated with pancreatic cancer. On November 21—World Pancreatic Cancer Day—we’ll release nine new campaign videos designed to introduce viewers to the pancreas, its role in the body, and the signs of pancreatic cancer. Each video will be downloadable and shareable on all platforms.

Help us make an impact by sharing these videos across your social networks.

How You Can Participate

1. Say “Hello Pancreas” and Spread the Message

Use #HelloPancreas on social media to raise awareness about the importance of understanding pancreatic cancer symptoms. Encourage family and friends to do the same.

2. Wear Purple on November 21

Show your support on World Pancreatic Cancer Day by wearing purple. Take a photo, tag us, and use #HelloPancreas to amplify the message.

3. Share the Campaign Videos

Download our nine videos on November 21 and share them on your channels. Every share increases awareness and could save lives.

Downloadable Resources

Equip yourself with resources to support awareness this month:

• Patient Symptom Tracker PDF: Track your symptoms and share with your doctor if you’re concerned. Early symptom tracking can be life-saving.

• World Pancreatic Cancer Day Guide PDF: Learn about pancreatic cancer symptoms, risks, and early detection.

• Campaign Media Kit: Includes logos, graphics, posters, and other materials to help you spread the word on social media.

What is World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month?

World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is observed every November as an international effort to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. Led by the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC), it focuses on the importance of early detection, educating the public on recognizing symptoms, and highlighting the risks associated with pancreatic cancer. The Heather Cutler Foundation is really proud to participate in this campaign to spread awareness and promote early detection.

Why is early detection so important for pancreatic cancer?

Early detection of pancreatic cancer is crucial because it significantly improves outcomes. Patients diagnosed early, especially those eligible for surgery, have a much higher chance of surviving for five years or more. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice promptly can make a life-saving difference. The Heather Cutler Foundation encourages everyone to learn the signs and consult their doctor if they notice symptoms.

What are the symptoms and risk factors for pancreatic cancer?

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include unexplained weight loss, mid-back pain, new-onset diabetes, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and changes in appetite. Understanding these symptoms and recognizing them early is key to seeking care quickly because they might look like a lot of other things. Risk factors can include age, family history, smoking, obesity, and chronic pancreatitis. Knowing these symptoms and risk factors can help in early detection efforts.

What’s the easiest way for me to help out with the #HelloPancreas campaign?

You can participate in the #HelloPancreas campaign by using the hashtag on social media, sharing personal insights or experiences, and encouraging others to spread awareness about pancreatic cancer symptoms and early detection. You can also support the campaign by wearing purple on November 21, World Pancreatic Cancer Day, and sharing the Heather Cutler Foundation’s campaign videos to help raise awareness and educate others. Any bit helps. Share your love however you like!

How can the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition’s resources help with awareness?

The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC) unites over 100 member organizations worldwide, giving it a powerful global reach. They’ve carefully crafted resources that focus on the most crucial information about pancreatic cancer—what symptoms to watch for, the risks, and the importance of early detection. WPCC’s materials aren’t just informative; they’re visually engaging and designed for easy sharing across social media, so whether you’re posting on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, you can help spread these vital messages seamlessly. By joining this global effort, you’re part of a consistent, worldwide push to raise awareness. It’s a movement supported by thousands of advocates, but it’s also about the impact of each individual voice—your voice can make a real difference in educating others.

Who created World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month?

World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month was created by the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC), a global network of over 100 pancreatic cancer organizations from around the world. The WPCC established this awareness month to focus global attention on pancreatic cancer, highlighting the importance of early detection, educating people on symptoms and risks, and uniting organizations to amplify their message. Through coordinated campaigns and activities, the WPCC aims to bring people together each November to raise awareness, support patients, and push for advancements in research and care.