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If you had asked me a few years ago what the Pancreas was, I honestly would have had no idea.
I suspect I am not the only one; the Pancreas is just one of those things in our body that most people don't think about.
Unlike the stomach, brain or heart, there are no poems, songs, or even jokes to hear. However, the Pancreas plays a crucial role in maintaining our health.
This November, the Floorworld team is again partnering with the Pancare Foundation, whose focus is funding research for cures and treatments and supporting those suffering from Upper GI cancers, including Pancreatic cancer. So, to spread awareness, let's discuss the Pancreas and early warning signs of cancer in detail.
Learn more about how you can get involved this November.
Video: What is the Pancreas and signs of Pancreatic Cancer
What Does the Pancreas Do?
The Pancreas is a long, flat gland in the upper abdomen, tucked behind the stomach. Despite its small size and location, this organ has a big job.
The Pancreas is responsible for two main roles: Digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Digestive Aid: The Pancreas produces enzymes, organic chemicals that break down the food you eat. These enzymes act as little workers who chop up fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, making them small enough for your body to absorb.
Without this help, we wouldn't be able to absorb the nutrients in our food.
Blood Sugar Regulator: Blood sugar regulation is often discussed by the elderly or those affected by diabetes. Maintaining blood sugar levels is essential for maintaining a steady supply of glucose, which gives the body energy to operate during the day.
The Pancreas directly affects our blood sugar levels by producing hormones like insulin and glucagon, which work together to maintain a steady level of glucose in the blood.
A Grim Reality: Pancreatic Cancer in Australia
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with stark statistics highlighting its severity. In Australia, approximately 4,506 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and tragically, about 3,669 of them will not survive. This means only about 30% of those diagnosed are expected to live beyond a year, with the percentage of survivors only worsening over time.
One of the most challenging things about pancreatic cancer is that it often goes unnoticed until it's in advanced stages.
Why?
Because the early symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other common issues, we don't notice until the Pancreas fails to function, which is sometimes too late.
The lack of early detection tests further complicates the prognosis, contributing to the dismal survival rates.
Video: Learn about Chris' battle with Pancreatic Cancer
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the Pancreas grow out of control and replicate uncontrollably. From one cell, it keeps spreading until the Pancreas cannot function and thus cannot regulate our blood sugar and aid with digestion.
What Are the Signs of Pancreatic Cancer?
Getting an early diagnosis is one of the best ways to improve the odds. There are a lot of things to watch out for, and alone, these symptoms don't always mean you have pancreatic cancer, but they're worth checking out if they persist:
- Jaundice: A yellowing of your skin or eyes
- Unexplained Weight Loss: This means a dramatic weight loss that can't be explained by a new diet or workout routine.
- Upper Abdominal Pain: Pain in the stomach or back that won't go away.
- New-Onset Diabetes: If you've never had blood sugar problems before and suddenly develop diabetes, it could be a sign.
- Dark Urine: Urine coming out in a much darker colour than you'r used to.
- Digestive Issues: This can encompass many things, including a loss of appetite, changes in stools(such as greasy or pale stools), indigestion, nausea and vomiting.
It is essential to be aware of the symptoms if you have risk factors such as a family history of the disease, chronic pancreatitis, or a history of smoking.
If you notice any signs we discussed, don't panic, but don't ignore them either. Chat with your doctor and get it checked out.
Floorworld's Step Up for a Cure Campaign
Floorworld is partnering with the Pancare Foundation to improve the lives of people with and affected by upper GI cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Together, we can make a difference by spreading awareness and raising funds for valuable research into these diseases.
You can get involved by:
- Purchasing flooring from a Floorworld store from contributing Pancare Suppliers. Proceeds from each sale go directly to funding Pancare's cancer research. Check out the catalogue.
- Donating directly to the Pancare Foundation
- Spreading awareness by dressing up your pets in purple and posting them online on Facebook, Instagram or any social media platform with #PurplePetsforPancare
Why raise Awareness?
Pancreatic cancer is sneaky, it often goes unnoticed until it is too late. This is why it is so important to spread awareness to keep it top of mind for those who may be at risk.
By sharing vital information about the signs and symptoms of this disease, we hope to increase the chances of early detection, the simplest and most important step for improving survival rates.
#PurplePetsforPancare
One way Floorworld is looking to spread awareness is to unite the community and get them to join in online.
We are asking people to dress up their pets in purple and post them online on Facebook, Instagram or any social media platform.
Flooring to Support Cancer Research
Many flooring suppliers have jumped on board with us and have dedicated a portion of sales from select products to go directly into funding breakthrough cancer research with the Pancare Foundation.
Whether you need Timber, Hybrid, Vinyl, Laminate, Carpet or Underlay check out the catalogue, and play your part in finding treatments and cures to save lives.
Video: The Importance of Cancer Research
Hope for the Future
Pancreatic cancer may be one of the toughest cancers, but with increased awareness, funding, and early intervention, we can work towards improving outcomes for those diagnosed. The work done by the Pancare Foundation is directly increasing survival rates each year and helping to support those affected.
Let's step up together and help fight against the deadliest cancers facing Australians.
For more information on how you can support the cause, check out the campaign.
