Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek will join forces with the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition to launch PSA for World Pancreatic Cancer Day. On World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Thursday, November 21, organizations from over 30 countries will come together to raise awareness for the common risks and symptoms of the disease.
Pancreatic cancer is the only major cancer with a single-digit, five-year survival rate. Due to there being no screening tests for pancreatic cancer, it is important to know the risks of the cancer and understand the symptoms that come with it.
The one-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is 20%. The five-year survival rate is even worse, which drops to 9%, according to the American Cancer Society. Pancreatic cancer is expected to be the #2 killer of all cancers in 2020.
Common symptoms for pancreatic cancer include stomach pain, mid-back pain, unexplained weight loss, and jaundice. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should get themselves checked for the disease. The likelihood of surviving past five years rises the earlier it is detected.
“I wish I had known sooner that the persistent stomach pain I experienced prior to my diagnosis was a symptom of pancreatic cancer,” Trebek says.
With more awareness and attention that is brought to pancreatic cancer, more patients can fight and survive this disease. The more people know about common symptoms and risks, the more people can seek help if they are experiencing them.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month and Project Purple is kicking off a new “We Are Project Purple” virtual series. With virtual events, you can participate wherever you are!
Starting Nov. 1, you can run, jog or walk a 5K OR do max push-ups for 30 seconds and tag two people to challenge them to do their max pushups. Use the hashtag #WeAreProjectPurple and tag @ProjectPurple to show us how you’re raising awareness!
You can also opt to do fundraising for the event. For everyone who registers or raises $35, you will receive a pair of our custom Project Purple Goodr sunglasses!
Let’s unite to raise more awareness and let’s go purple for Alex Trebek.
YOU ARE PROJECT PURPLE!
Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
