This November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is centered around sharing medical information, listening to survivor and caregiver experiences, and raising overall awareness of pancreatic cancer.
To help you get involved with the cause, we’ve put together some basic information to aid you in understanding what the month is really about. Read on to learn 5 easy ways you can help raise awareness for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
As its name suggests, pancreatic cancer is a cancer of the pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer occurs when cancer cells grow uncontrollably in the pancreas, crowding out normal cells necessary for the pancreas to function properly.
There are several types of pancreatic cancer, however, they mainly fall under two categories based on the cells they affect: exocrine based and endocrine-based.
Pancreatic cancer that is exocrine cell-based means that exocrine cells in the pancreas are growing at an unusually high rate. As exocrine cells make up the majority of the cells in the pancreas, this is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. Exocrine cells are responsible for producing and releasing the enzymes that allow you to digest foods. So, pancreatic cancer that affects the exocrine cells makes it extremely difficult for the body to get proper energy and nutrients from food.
The second category of pancreatic cancer is endocrine cell-based. Endocrine cells make up the minority of cells in the pancreas and thus is the less common type of pancreatic cancer. Endocrine cells are responsible for producing and releasing different hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which are responsible for the body’s blood sugar levels. Insufficient regulation of the body’s blood sugar can result in many negative effects such as anxiety, shakiness, nausea, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, and more.
5 Ways You Can Get Involved with Pancreatic Cancer Month
Looking for ways to help support Pancreatic Cancer Month? Here are some easy ways to get you started:
1. Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power. You never know when having certain medical information stored in your brain, might just save the life of someone you love. During this month, take time to learn about the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, treatments, specialists in the area, and/or any other information you might want to research.
2. Spread the word
The best way to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer month is by talking with your friends and family about it! Ask questions and share the information you’ve learned. It’s as simple as that.
3. Volunteer
If you’re more of a hands-on kind of person, then volunteering is the way to go. There are plenty of organizations that can always use some extra hands for organizing, fundraising, calling, and transporting supplies. Or, you call and/or visit with pancreatic cancer patients directly and give them some extra support and companionship.
4. Listen to the Stories
If you want to really learn what it’s like to be a caregiver for pancreatic cancer patients, go and listen to professional caregivers’ stories. Hear what they went through, what their clients go through, and any advice they can offer. There’s truly so much to learn from hearing the experiences of others.
5. Donate
If you’re pressed for time, you can always donate to an organization that helps pancreatic cancer patients and caregivers. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be much. Any amount is always appreciated. Or, participate in an activity that focuses on raising money for pancreatic cancer patients, such as walks, marathons, auctions, etc.
If you or your loved one are battling cancer and require home care assistance, Angels On Call are here to help! We employ highly qualified and compassionate caregivers that are ready to help day or night, 24/7!
Reach out to your local Angels On Call representative to receive a free in-home consultation today. Contact us at 1-888-432-1070.
