Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

In 2023, pancreatic cancer is expected to take more Australian lives than breast cancer, with an estimated 3669 people expected to lose their lives. Now classified as a 'common cancer', it has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers at just 12.5%, making it one of the most dangerous cancers in Australia.

This November, we aim to increase public knowledge and research funding for pancreatic cancer through 'Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month', and 'World Pancreatic Cancer Day'.

Survival rates in prostate, breast and skin cancers are now over 90% and this can be directly attributed to investment in medical research. In comparison, only 5% of pancreatic cancer patients respond to current treatment options, resulting in a 12.5% survival rate, which drops to an alarmingly low 6.8% for those living in regional Australia. Awareness on a national scale is critical to ensuring Australians know that pancreatic cancer needs to be addressed.

With World Pancreatic Cancer Day just around the corner, PanKind, in collaboration with other member organisations of the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Alliance, will be lighting up iconic venues across Australia to raise awareness and shine a light on the disease. From Melbourne's MCG to Hobart's Tasman Bridge, iconic locations will come together in purple to raise awareness for the disease and honour those who have sadly lost their battles. See the full list below.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day

Held on November 16, 2023, World Pancreatic Cancer Day brings people around the world together to highlight the need for greater awareness, funding and research for pancreatic cancer.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is our moment to learn more about the risks and symptoms of pancreatic cancer and on this day, organisations around the world push to do more; to learn, to teach, to advocate more research funding and the world to take notice.

This year's theme is 'Hello Pancreas'- a campaign designed to encourage individuals to be more in touch with the important role the pancreas plays in the body's everyday function. Through recognising this role, and learning more about the pancreas, The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition hopes to make society more aware of pancreatic cancer symptoms and risks, to ultimately increase early detection and survival rate. 

You can play a part

Alongside visiting our lights locations leading up to the day and on the day itself, you can fundraise directly towards medical research which is the key to lifting pancreatic cancer survival rates.

It's easy to raise awareness of the disease during November and especially on World Pancreatic Cancer Day on 16 November. Access resources and key messages to share during the month of November. The 2023 assets will be updated on 1 November.

Each and every fundraising effort across our nation helps us achieve our mission of tripling pancreatic cancer survival rates and dramatically increasing the quality of life for patients and their families.

There are so many ways you can easily raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, the opportunities are endless, but here are some of our ideas:

• Healthy lifestyle challenge – Join a run, swim or cycle challenge, or make a positive lifestyle change for 30 days.
• Create a tribute or in-memory page for a loved one
• Host a 'Splash of Purple' Day, and encourage your workmates, teammates, friends and family to wear a touch of purple on 16 November in exchange for a donation
• Host a morning tea on World Pancreatic Cancer Day on 16 November
• Hold a “Bake-a-thon” at work and ask colleagues if they can contribute
• Organise a #PlayinPurple Golf day at your local club
• Host a pancreatic cancer BBQ fundraiser for friends or family

Contact us at info@pankind.org.au for more information, fundraising ideas, and to obtain a ‘Community Fundraising Agreement’ form.

 

2023 'Light Australia Purple' locations:

NSW:

Coffs Harbour

• The Big Banana - 16 November

QLD:

Brisbane:

• Story Bridge - 15 November
• Reddacliff Statues - 15 November
• Victoria Bridge - 15 November
• City Hall - 15 November
• King George Square - 15 November
• Wickham Terrace Car Park - 15 November
• Breakfast Creek Bridge - 15 November
• Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge - 16 November
• Government House - 16 November

Townsville:

• Queensland Country Bank Stadium - 16 November
• Townsville Sign - 16 November
• Wharton Reef Bridge - 16 November
• Victoria Bridge - 16 November
• George Roberts Bridge - 16 November
• Old Magistrates Court House - 16 November
• Flinders Square - 16 November
• Little Fletcher Bridge - 16 November
• Central Park Boardwalk - 16 November

Logan:

• Logan Water Towers- 16 November

VIC:

Melbourne:

• The MCG - 16 November
• AAMI Park - 14 & 16 November
• Kingston Clock Tower - 16 November
• Luna Park Melbourne - 17 November

SA:

Adelaide:

• Adelaide Oval - 16 & 17 November

TAS:

Hobart:

• Tasman Bridge - 12-16 November
• Rose Garden Bridge - 13-19 November
• Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre - 13-19 November
• Cardinal Lights - 13-19 November
• Franklin Square Fountain - 13-19 November
• Elizabeth Mall - 13-19 November
• Kennedy Lane - 13-19 November
• Crowne Plaza Hobart - 16 November
• Wrest Point - 16 November

Launceston:

• Launceston Town Hall (St John Street Facade) - 16 November

Devonport:

• paranaple convention centre - 16 November

Glenorchy:

• Glenorchy Council Chambers - 12-19 November

WA:

Perth:

• Matagarup Bridge - 15 November
• Mounts Street Bridge - 15 November
• Sky Ribbon - 15 November
• Joondalup Drive Bridge - 15 November
• Northbridge Tunnel - 15 November
• The Bell Tower - 15-16 November

Busselton:

• Busselton Civic Centre - 16 November