November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month!!!

My father died from pancreatic cancer in 1985. He was diagnosed in March and died just a short 3 months later.

FAQS: Pancreatic cancer is one of the DEADLIEST CANCERS • Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer and the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the United States.1 • Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all the major cancers: 95% of patients die within five years of diagnosis and only 5% survive more than five years. 76% of patients with pancreatic cancer die within the first year of diagnosis. • Unlike many other cancers, the survival rate for the disease has not improved substantially over the past 30 years. Since 1975, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer has improved only from 3% to 5% • This year, an estimated 42,470 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 35,240 will die from the disease. • The number of new pancreatic cancer cases and the number of deaths caused by the disease are increasing – not decreasing. In 2009, the expected number of new pancreatic cancer cases is projected to increase by 12% and is projected to increase by 55% by the year 2030. • The incidence of pancreatic cancer is 50% higher among African Americans than in any other racial group in the United States

http://www.pancan.org/section_get_in..._GA_072309.pdf

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Thousands of Pancreatic Cancer Action Network volunteers across the country are taking action to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. There are many opportunities to get involved from taking on a year-round leadership commitment, to helping out on the day of an event or sending an e-mail to Congress. What can you do? Join a local affiliate Distribute Patient and Liaison Services program materials Host a fundraising event Volunteer or participate in a local event Contact the media Become An Advocate If you would like to discuss volunteer opportunities with a Community Outreach staff member, or if you reside outside of the United States, please contact us at volunteer@pancan.org or 877-272-6226.

In recognition of National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and in memory of Shirley Zeiden, mother of the company’s founders, Z Gallerie will donate a portion of in-store and online sales through November 8th to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Shop or find a store near you at www.zgallerie.com. Enter promotion code PN8 at checkout for online purchases. If you are a Z Gallerie Credit Card holder you can enjoy extra discounts while you shop for the cause – click here for details. Since 2003, Z Gallerie has hosted a special shopping week to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and to raise awareness of this devastating disease during awareness month. Visit Z Gallerie today and shop for a cure!

http://www.pancan.org/blog/

For more information visit http://pancan.org/

I'm a member of PanCan, a great fundraising and support organization. I have had too many close friends die of this difficult to diagnose disease and anytime we can raise public awareness, the better!
Sorry about your dad Liz...

Thanks for spreading the word. My cousin passed from pancreatic cancer in 2004 at the young age of 34, just months after diagnosis. It's an ugly disease that really has no early warning signs.

I'm sorry about your dad, Liz. My grandmother passed away from pancreatic cancer a few years ago. It's a horribly painful disease. I'm glad you're bringing awareness to it.

My brother is growing a mustache for his chapter of Pancreatic Cancer awareness. I guess he is supposed to get people to sponsor it.

Thank you Liz for spreading the word about this.
So sorry about your dad....
As you know, I lost my dear brother in law Chuck to this awful cancer just this past August.
I really hope that they will come up with some kind of test to detect this cancer earlier.
My other sisters husband is good friends with a 20 years survivor of this cancer. They caught it in its very early stages.

Hugs to those who have had this horrible cancer work their way into a loved one...

My mom died of this 8 years ago yesterday. It still sucks very hard.

Thanks for sharing. My dad died of it 16 years ago this June, I miss him all the time and wish he could have seen his grandkids and great grandkids

Cancer of the pancreas is a particularly difficult form of the disease, because it is virtually asymptomatic in its earliest stages, making detection likely only when symptoms present themselves during advanced stages. There are, however, a number of preventative measures you can take against pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy in the pear-shaped, hormone-producing gland known as the pancreas.

Help Prevent Pancreatic Cancer
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Step 1

Know who's at risk. People approaching or over the age of 60, men, smokers, people with diabetes and people who have a family history of pancreatic cancer all have higher risk rates.
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Step 2

Throw away the cigarettes. They are a risk factor in virtually all forms of cancer, and pancreatic cancer is no exception. Quitting smoking may help prevent other serious health conditions, as well.
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Step 3

Keep your weight at a healthy level. Studies have correlated increased pancreatic cancer rates with people who are significantly overweight. A healthy weight and regular exercise are considered important factors to prevent the development of pancreatic cancer. If you want to begin a weight loss program, remember that physicians strongly recommend weight loss take place at a slow and steady rather than rapid pace.
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Step 4

Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Cut back on red meat and fats. Studies suggest a healthy diet correlates directly to reduced risk for pancreatic cancer. Healthy diets have been shown to prevent unnecessary strain on your pancreatic gland.
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Step 5

Take more Vitamin D. Studies have show it may reduce pancreatic cancer risk by as much as half. It also appears to be a valuable preventative measure against other forms of cancer.
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Step 6

Get involved. Help the fight against cancer by volunteering your time, labor or money to local or national cancer-fighting causes. Visit the American Cancer Society Web site for more information

Thank you for bringing awareness! My uncle just passed away this month after a year and a half and my best friend's mother passed away 6 yrs ago. Such a horrible disease.

My best work friend, Bea, died in June from pancreatic cancer. She worked up to 2 weeks before her death. She was the bravest and strongest person I ever met, and she was my heart. I miss her so much.....

Hugs to everybody in this thread.

A few years ago I was doing snail mail sweepstakes and I was a member of another sweepstakes group in addition to OLS. I will never forget that one of the other members had an adult daughter who was diagnosed. She was around my age or younger. She died within a couple months of being diagnosed. It was so sad.

I had never hard of pancreatic cancer before. It is a devastating disease because I think there is less hope with this type of cancer than others.

My heart goes out to all who have been affected by this disease. A good friend passed away in April, he was only 35 and just diagnosed in January.

It IS a horrible disease! My MIL beat diabetes, heart disease,and 3 other forms of cancer before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She died about 6 months after her diagnosis.