Cancer Awareness Month
November 4, 2021
November is the month to shine some light on Pancreatic Cancer Awareness. It has been deemed the time to talk and educate people on this disease and help people who have been touched by pancreatic cancer. This month Hirshberg Foundation is sharing a variety of ways that you can get involved, and with your help, they can drive research towards a cure while continuing to provide vital resources for patients and families.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas. Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a less common type and are discussed in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.
Facts about pancreatic cancer:
In 2021 an estimated 60,430 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S., and more than 48,220 will die from the disease.
Symptoms for pancreatic cancer may include weight loss, abdominal discomfort, back pain, development of type 2 diabetes, and some tumors may cause jaundice leading to earlier diagnosis.
More than 90% of cases are pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which develops in the exocrine tissue of the pancreas, this makes digestive enzymes.
