November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month — a pivotal and sensitive time when the families, oncology community, patient advocates, and global organizations join together to spotlight one of the world’s deadliest and most overlooked cancers.
As the month ends, it’s important to reflect on what we’ve learned, the progress that has been made, and where we lack, and more work is needed to be done.
Why Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Matters
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Data from the American Cancer Society, an estimated 66,400 people in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024, and approximately 51,750 will die from it (Siegel et al., 2024). Globally, incidence continues to rise, and survival rates remain persistently low.
The disease is particularly challenging to manage because:
- Symptoms are vague, nonspecific, and often appear late
- There is no widely implemented screening test for the general population
- Most patients are diagnosed at locally advanced or metastatic stages
- Curative surgery is possible in only a minority of cases
- The tumor biology is highly aggressive and treatment-resistant
Despite these challenges, improvements in awareness, earlier recognition, and increased research investment can meaningfully impact outcomes. Importantly, remission, especially in early-stage, surgically resected cases, is increasingly being reported, underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis (Siegel et al., 2024).
Pancreatic Cancer by the Numbers
Pancreatic cancer continues to pose a major global health challenge, with international data consistently highlighting its high mortality and late-stage presentation. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 (International Agency for Research on Cancer/WHO), the global burden remains substantial:
- Rank: 7th leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide
- Annual diagnoses: More than 495,000 new cases globally each year
- 5-year survival: Approximately 12–13% across all stages
- Type: About 95% of cases are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
- Resectability: Only 10–20% of patients are eligible for curative surgery at diagnosis
Read About Pancreatic Cancer Remission Rate on OncoDaily
These statistics reflect only part of the story—each number represents a person, a family, and a community facing one of the most challenging journeys in oncology.
This November’s Key Messages
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month was formally established in November to unify global efforts around one of the most challenging malignancies. The observance began gaining international momentum in the early 2000s through advocacy groups such as the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) and later the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC), which was founded in 2013 and brought together more than 80 organizations worldwide. In 2014, the third Thursday of November was designated as World Pancreatic Cancer Day, creating a dedicated moment each year to highlight the urgency of early detection, improve patient outcomes, and amplify the voices of patients, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers. November was chosen strategically positioned near year-end—to drive reflection, awareness, and fundraising ahead of the new year.
1. Early detection remains the biggest unmet need
The phrase “silent killer” continues for a reason. Awareness efforts this month highlighted the following symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- New-onset diabetes in adults >50
- Persistent abdominal or back pain
- Jaundice
- Steatorrhea or digestive changes
Read About Pancreatic Cancer on OncoDaily
Spreading awareness, educating communities, and frontline clinicians to recognize early red flags is one of the most powerful tools we currently have.
2. The push for earlier diagnosis is gaining momentum
Across many major developed countries, November campaigns have stressed growing efforts toward earlier cancer detection. These efforts emphasize a combination of cutting‑edge research, targeted screening, and improved clinical pathways:
- Blood‑based biomarkers, exosomes, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA): Research into these minimally invasive biomarkers continues to expand, offering hope for earlier detection through simple blood tests.
- High‑risk screening initiatives: Several programs now focus on individuals with family history, known genetic syndromes, or BRCA‑carrier status — underscoring a move toward personalized prevention.
- Improved referral and diagnostic pathways: Campaigns highlight the importance of rapid assessment for signs such as persistent jaundice or unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, aiming to reduce delays in diagnosis.
Together, these developments reflect an increasing global willingness to identify malignancies at earlier, potentially more treatable stages.
3. Treatment advances continue, but progress is slow
While chemotherapy remains the backbone of cancer management, incremental advances in other therapeutic areas are beginning to reshape care. Notable developments include:
- Immunotherapy combinations: New trials are evaluating the efficacy and safety of novel immunotherapy regimens, offering hope for more effective—and potentially less toxic—treatment paradigms.
- Refinements in radiation therapy: Advances in radiation techniques improve precision and reduce side‑effects, making radiotherapy a safer option for more patients.
- Molecular profiling standardization: Molecular tumor profiling, once experimental, is increasingly becoming part of standard work‑up in many oncology centers — enabling more personalized treatment choices.
Read About Radiotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer on OncoDaily
These evolving strategies suggest that future cancer therapy will likely lean more heavily on individualized treatment, combining traditional chemotherapy with biologics, targeted agents, and biomarker-driven approaches.
Where We Go From Here: What can we do to get closer to beating Pancreatic cancer?
1. More funding is needed for research
Pancreatic cancer receives a disproportionately lower research funding relative to its mortality and other cancers. Given the severity and mortality of this disease, increased funding is not just important — it is imperative. Greater investment is essential for breakthroughs in detection and treatment.
2. Education and awareness year-round
Symptoms are often dismissed or misattributed; usually it is brushed off and misdiagnosed. Because the early symptoms are vague, pancreatic cancer is frequently misattributed to benign conditions such as dyspepsia, gallstones, peptic ulcer disease, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, or musculoskeletal back pain. Continued awareness beyond November helps combat late diagnoses and prevent misdiagnoses.
3. Support for patients and caregivers
Pancreatic cancer impacts every aspect of life — nutritional, emotional, financial, and social. Strengthening support networks is critical. A holistic, patient-centered approach not only supports wellbeing but also ensures that no one faces the challenges of pancreatic cancer alone.Comprehensive care must extend beyond medical treatment to include psychological support, dietary guidance, palliative resources, and community-based assistance.
How You Can Help:Even After November
- Share educational posts to help others recognize early symptoms
- Promote genetic testing awareness among high-risk families
- Support clinical trials, advocacy groups, or research funds
- Encourage PCAM initiatives in your medical or academic community
- Engage with patient stories to amplify lived experiences
Every conversation drives awareness. Awareness drives earlier detection. Earlier detection saves lives. You could save a life.
Famous people with pancreatic cancer to mention
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, co‑founder of Apple, battled a rare form of pancreatic cancer (neuroendocrine tumor) and passed away in 2011 at age 56. His journey reminds us how early detection and research can make a difference.
Patrick Swayze
Famous actor from movies like Dirty Dancing and Ghost, diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in early 2008 and died in 2009 at age 57.
Aretha Franklin
Legendary singer Aretha Franklin lost her battle with a neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor in 2018 at age 76.
Alan Rickman
British actor Alan Rickman, known worldwide as Professor Snape from the infamous book and movie series “Harry Potter”, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at 69.
Pop Culture Highlight: Anime Depiction of Pancreatic Illness
A fun and infamous piece of media that depicts pancreatic cancer is is the critically acclaimed anime film I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (Kimi no Suizō wo Tabetai, 2018). The story follows Sakura, a high school girl living with a terminal pancreatic illness, and her relationship with a male classmate who discovers her condition. Through its poignant narrative, the film explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the value of everyday life, offering audiences both emotional insight and awareness of the impact of pancreatic disease.
Trusted Resources to Explore & Share
Global Organizations
- World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition — https://www.worldpancreaticcancercoalition.org
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) — https://www.pancan.org
- European Pancreatic Cancer Centre (EPC) — https://www.epc-forum.org
Patient & Caregiver Support
- Pancreatic Cancer UK — https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk
- Lustgarten Foundation — https://www.lustgarten.org
Clinical & Professional Resources
- NCCN Guidelines: Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
- ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines
- ASCO Educational Resources on Pancreatic Cancer
Predicting Pancreatic Cancer Therapy: PurIST Insights with GeneCentric CEO Michael Milburn
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“November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month! Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to prevent, diagnose or treat.” — Vaccinex on social media X (formerly Twitter)
“Your stories of hope, resilience and love remind us that we share a common fight. This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, together we shine a light on pancreatic cancer.” — PanCAN (Official) social media post X (formerly Twitter)
“Join us during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month — share symptoms, risk factors, and stories. Early detection and awareness remain our strongest allies.” — Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PCAN / Pancreatic Cancer Action) campaign message Pancreatic Cancer Action
Written by Hasti Donyagardrad, MD