A lack of focus and funding is costing lives
Pancreatic cancer is Australia’s third deadliest cancer, yet public focus and funding remain disproportionately low. This lack of attention means that people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer often face limited treatment options, minimal support, and little hope.
And despite its severity, only 1 in 10 Australians are aware that pancreatic cancer is one of the top three leading causes of cancer death in this country (1). That needs to change.
Raising awareness is our first step toward justice. We are fighting to bring pancreatic cancer into the spotlight—where it belongs. By driving public awareness, we aim to improve early detection, increase research funding, and ensure the disease is never ignored again.
Why awareness is urgent
Public awareness of the disease and its symptoms is extremely low. Therefore, people may not consider their symptoms to be important and may delay visiting their doctor. Most symptoms can be vague—things like back pain, indigestion, or weight loss—which can easily be overlooked until it's too late. But early detection can make all the difference.
The more we talk about pancreatic cancer, the more lives we can change. Awareness leads to earlier conversations, earlier diagnoses, and earlier access to care.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Raising awareness can—and should—happen all year round. But a powerful time to get involved is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November.
Every November, we unite with communities across Australia to wear purple, turn landmarks purple, share stories, hold events, and elevate the voices of those impacted. It’s a time to honour lives, raise visibility, and demand greater focus on this devastating disease.
Join us this November to make pancreatic cancer impossible to ignore.
What we’re doing to raise awareness
We lead with purpose:
- Education campaigns that speak to Australians clearly and compassionately
Symptom awareness resources to help people recognise the signs early - National and local events that engage communities and ignite action
- Amplifying real stories from people impacted by pancreatic cancer
- Building powerful partnerships to drive awareness where it matters most
We believe progress starts with visibility. Every person reached, every story told, every conversation sparked is a step closer to better outcomes.
Join the Awareness Army
The Pankind Awareness Army is a grassroots movement, made up of passionate individuals who use their voice, platforms and networks to shine a light on pancreatic cancer. Together we can scale awareness far beyond what any one organisation can achieve alone. Together, we can make pancreatic cancer impossible to ignore.
Every voice matters. Every action counts. Let’s give people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a fairer chance—starting now.
(1) Online survey with sample size of 400 National representative Australian’s 18+ conducted in May 2021