November is World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. 

According to the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare, an estimated 4,261 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in 2021. Of those cases, 2,213 males and 2,048 females. In 2021, it is estimated that a person has a 1 in 69 (or 1.5%) risk of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer by the age of 85 (1 in 65 or 1.5% for males and 1 in 73 or 1.4% for females). 

What is the pancreas? 

The pancreas is a gland of the digestive system. It is joined to the small bowel by a duct. The pancreas has two major roles in the digestive system: Producing enzymes to help break down food and making hormones that enter the body and flow around the bloodstream. The most important of these is insulin, which helps to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. 

What is pancreatic cancer? 

Pancreatic cancer begins when cells in the pancreas become abnormal and grow out of control to form a tumour. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is adenocarcinoma. 

Causes of pancreatic cancer are due to complex changes in your genes, that have arisen over time, or may be rarely inherited. 

Tests to diagnose pancreatic cancer may include: 

• Blood, urine, and stool tests 

• Imaging, such as an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) 

• Endoscopic (camera) tests 

• Tissue sampling, called a biopsy 

Do you need help caring for someone living with or recovering from cancer? Get in touch today to find out how our in-home care services may be of help. 

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.

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