Trebek is doing just that by partnering with the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition, which is comprised of 80 organizations in more than 30 countries, to promote education about this rare, but aggressive cancer for World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Nov. 21.
In a press release from Pancreatic Cancer Canada, Trebek states: “I wish I had known sooner that the persistent stomach pain I experienced prior to my diagnosis was a symptom of pancreatic cancer.”
He encourages everyone to learn the risks and symptoms, which will allow more people to get diagnosed early, which is key to survival. Jeopardy will be announcing a public service announcement to commemorate this event. Purple ribbons are being worn on Nov. 21 as a reminder of this insidious disease.
Ali Schofield, senior manager of donor and community engagement for Pancreatic Cancer Canada said because the symptoms for pancreatic cancer are “innocuous and vague,” most people don’t realize they have it until they’re in their fourth stage of cancer. According to Cancer Care Ontario, the mortality rate is 92 per cent, with 50 per cent of persons afflicted dying within four months of diagnosis. While all the incidents haven’t been tallied and this year isn’t over, estimates for 2019 include: 5,800 Canadians will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 5,200 Canadians will die from it. Three thousand of these cases will be men with 2,700 fatalities; and 2,800 will be women with 2,500 deaths.
According to Niagara Regional Public Health, the local cancer rates are not significantly different from Ontario’s average. In 2016 there were 3,060 new cancer cases reported in Niagara with 3.2 per cent, or roughly 98 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While the incidents seem low, it is considered one of the top five cancers resulting in mortality. David Lorenzo, associate director of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, said the Region’s main goal is public education, and while there are no specific programs “directly linked to pancreatic cancer,” many of the general guidelines for cancer prevention are applicable.
“Pancreatic Cancer has a lot to do with lifestyle choices,” he said, indicating that the four areas of healthy eating, exercise, and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol are paramount. Lorenzo said he believes that is why incidents of pancreatic cancer may be higher in men than women, because “males will typically have higher rates of alcohol consumption and tobacco usage.” With diets, Lorenzo stressed low fat, sugar and sodium diets being important to fight all types of diseases, especially heart disease.
SUPPORT SYSTEMS
By changing public policies like the recent public smoking ban and other intervention methods, Lorenzo believes in five years, “We will see a healthier Niagara.” While he admits the public health department’s long-term goals may not seem to have much effect in alleviating cancer or particularly pancreatic cancer, its smoking cessation program, which is “low to no-cost,” helps reduce cancer rates and “the burden of disease.”
The most common symptom of pancreatic cancer is a “persistent pain in the stomach,” as well as back pain and fatigue, said Schofield. Jaundice, which creates a yellow discoloration in the eyes, skin and urine, is a red flag that something is wrong, but symptoms don’t often appear until the later stages, she noted. Persons with diabetes or chronic pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas, or a history of pancreatic cancer and diabetes in the family, are more prone to succumbing to this disease. The pancreas produces the enzymes in your body that break down your food, as well as assisting with insulin and glucagon production, which controls blood sugar levels.
While chemotherapy and radiation are used to stop pancreatic cancer from progressing, surgery seems to be the “best answer,” she said. However, doctors have to find it before it metastasizes to the liver or other areas. “We are finding there are lots of sub-cancer types, and no one size fits all for pancreatic cancers,” she pointed out.
Medical research lags “far behind” in treating this type of cancer, because it affects fewer people, Schofield said. Pancreatic Cancer Canada is attempting to raise funds to be able to conduct more research and education. In certain areas, doctors that are general practitioners may only see one or two people during the course of their careers with pancreatic cancer, so her organization is attempting to educate them to be more aware of new treatments.
Those suffering from persistent stomach pain need to insist on a medical exam, where the doctor will check for lumps in the stomach and abdomen, as well as swelling in the lymph nodes and legs. Coloration of the eyes and a blood test to determine the number of red and white blood cells will help detect whether pancreatic cancer exists.
Those who want more information on this topic can go to www.pancreaticcancercanada.ca.
WELLSPRING NIAGARA
“We’ve had members who have gone through it (pancreatic cancer) and survived,” noted Ann Mantini-Celima, executive director for Wellspring Niagara. This regional cancer centre provides support to anyone living with cancer and their caregivers, by offering a “full complement of programs,” which includes emotional and psychological support, education, coping strategies, exercise classes and diet information. There is also one-on-one counselling for those who need it. All services are free of charge.
Last year, this grassroots facility, which helps cancer victims through their recovery, moved from Schmon Parkway in Thorold to its current Pelham location behind the Meridian Community Centre on Highway 20 and Rice Road.
“There is still the misconception out there that we’re a clinic or a hospice, noted Mantini-Celima. In fact, she said the environment at Wellspring Niagara is “very homey and warm, and it’s a welcoming centre.”
For anyone who would like the perfect gift and to offer a thoughtful gesture to people combatting cancer, Victoria Quilts Canada donates free quilted blankets to cancer victims to ward off any cold chills. They are hand-sewn by volunteers with “big hearts and warm hands,” said a representative of Trinity Unity Church. Volunteers from the local Hamilton/Niagara branch attended the recent Festive Market there last month.
For those who would like to obtain a quilt, please go to: www:victoriasquiltscanada.com. The members of Victoria Quilts want people suffering from cancer, including pancreatic cancer, to know they are not alone in their struggle.
