The pancreas is an important organ of the digestive system. It is often referred to as the “hidden organ” because it is located deep within the abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the spine. its an important organ in digestion and metabolism of glucose
The word “cancer” is used to describe a group of diseases in which the cells are abnormal, grow out of control, and can spread. Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in the tissue of the pancreas and form a tumour. A tumour is an abnormal growth of tissue in any part of the body.
Pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms or, if it does, they are so vague that they are often overlooked or associated with another potential cause. As a result, approximately 50 percent of pancreatic cancers will not be identified until they have already metastasized (spread to other parts of the body) significantly reducing the chances of survival for patients.
Currently, there is no effective screening test to identify pancreatic cancer. The pancreatic cancer survival rate is one of the lowest of common cancers. Individuals must learn to listen to their bodies and be their own best advocates.
Join us on this World Pancreatic Cancer Day as we chat with Connie Walsh, Nurse and pancreatic cancer survivor as she shares her personal experience with pancreatic cancer. We will finish up with Stefanie Condon-Oldreive- Founder and Director, Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society who will shed light on this disease and the efforts being made by researchers and charities to reduce its devastating impact on patients and their families.