November 19 will mark World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2022. One of the world’s deadliest cancers, pancreatic cancer research should be top-of-mind for all of us.

Pancreatic cancer begins when cells in the pancreas become abnormal and grow out of control to form a malignant tumour.

According to Pankind, early-stage pancreatic cancer rarely causes signs or symptoms, which can make it hard to diagnose. Symptoms often only appear once the cancer is large enough to affect nearby organs or has spread. Symptoms can also be vague and come and go with varying severity for each person.

The symptoms listed below do not necessarily mean that you have cancer and can be caused by other, less serious conditions. However, if you are persistently experiencing any, or several of the following symptoms we urge you to see your doctor and reference pancreatic cancer. If pancreatic cancer is found early, it is more treatable.

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

• Abdominal and mid-back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Change in stool
• New-onset diabetes
• Digestive problems
• Loss of appetite
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) produce excess hormones, they can also have symptoms such as:
  • Too much sugar in the blood (hyperglycaemia)
  • A drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
  • Blurred vision
  • Excessive thirst
  • Increased urination

How Right at Home can help

In-home care is often a great way to alleviate some of the pressures of family caregiving when it comes to cancer, allowing you to focus on emotional support instead of the details of daily activities. Right at Home caregivers can help with any of the Care Services, from basic support right through to skilled nursing as well as supplement any hospice care.

What can you do this World Pancreatic Cancer Day? Here are some suggestions from Pankind:

• Healthy lifestyle challenge
• Create a tribute or in-memory page for a loved one
• Host a morning tea
• Hold a “bake-a-thon” at work
• Organise a #PlayinPurple Golf Day at your local club
• Host a pancreatic cancer BBQ fundraiser
• Shave your head for pancreatic cancer
• Corporate team building – educate your workmates about pancreatic cancer while doing something fun
• Book or garage sale – clear out your unwanted items and donate the proceeds to pancreatic cancer research. Everyone wins.

Whatever you decide to do, tag us with your photos on social media @RightathomeAustralia!

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links: 

Australian Government Department of Health 

Victorian Health and Human Services 

NSW Health 

Queensland Health 

ACT Health 

WA Department of Health 

Tasmanian Department of Health 

Northern Territory Department of Health 

SA Health 

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget. 

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one. 

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website. 

Right at Home Offices in Australia: Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Greater Logan; Mackay; Moreton Bay Region; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; Sunshine Coast; Townsville; Central West New South Wales; Gosford; Hunter & Port Stephens; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Northern Rivers; Padstow St George; Southern NSW; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Ryde; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Perth Como; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; Southwest Victoria