Although it is not as prevalent as many other cancers, pancreatic cancer still claims thousands of lives each year. Greater awareness can lead to early detection and better survival rates. Family caregivers should learn all they can about pancreatic cancer as they offer care to their elderly relatives. Pancreatic cancer starts when a tumor forms on the pancreas, a gland. Many people don’t even know what the pancreas is or what it does. It’s a gland above the stomach that produces digestive juices. The disease is very common in elderly adults over 65, so family caregivers are among a select group of people with a special interest in raising awareness for pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but early detection decreases the risk greatly. Pancreatic cancer education may lead to increasing survivor numbers, educating people on symptoms, raising money for research and providing support for patients and their families.
Here are just a few things that family caregivers and their elderly relatives can do to promote pancreatic cancer awareness:
Raise Awareness
Lots of people have never even heard of pancreatic cancer so there are many different organizations that seek to raise awareness of the disease and focus on charitable organizations that support patients and their families, raise money for research and provide materials for local and state groups. People can wear purple, the color of the awareness campaign, distribute materials, and use social media to talk about the disease and share their experiences.
Educate Family and Friends
Part of raising awareness for pancreatic cancer includes educating everyone around you about the early signs and symptoms of the disease. Many lives have been saved thanks to early diagnosis but people would not have known what to look for without raised awareness. The majority of new cases are found in people over the age of 65, so it is more likely for a family caregiver to spot early symptoms of pancreatic cancer in an elderly loved one.
Contribute Time and Funds
There are many organizations that organize events to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, including World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, Pancreatic Cancer Action and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, just to name a few. Annually, they sponsor national events and help local chapters can put on events, as well. Popular events include runs, walks, fundraisers, booths at local fairs and farmer’s markets, and distributing material in the community. All funds raised are donated toward research and awareness campaigns for pancreatic cancer.
Of course, the benefit of shining the spotlight on pancreatic cancer is that it promotes education and gets people talking about the disease. The more information that can be shared on diagnosing and treating it, as well as providing information and support for family members, the better off individuals and communities will be in the face of this devastating disease.
Source:
https://www.pancan.org/wage-hope/
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Jupiter Island, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.