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November 16th is Awareness for Pancreatic Cancer and Smoking Cessation

Posted 6 months ago in Awareness

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Thursday November 16th is the date for two main events, World Pancreatic Cancer Day (WPCD) and The Great American Smokeout.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day

Pancreatic cancer is on the rise. It is not the most common cancer but is rising as one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths. It's the 10th most common cancer in the US and the 12th most common cancer in the world. Texas has the 3rd largest amount of cases, behind California and Florida. 

It's about time you know your pancreas better and how to spread the word and raise awareness. See ways you can go PURPLE for WPCD and get more information at www.worldpancreaticcancercoalition.org/world-pancreatic-cancer-day/

The Great American Smokeout

About 34 million American adults still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every year, or about 1 in 5 deaths.

While the rates of cigarette smoking have declined over the past several decades, from 42% in 1965 to 14% in 2019, the gains have been inconsistent. Some groups smoke more heavily or at higher rates and suffer disproportionately from smoking-related cancer and other diseases. These populations tend to be those who experience inequities in multiple areas of their lives, including those at lower socioeconomic levels, those without college degrees, American Indians/Alaska natives, African American/Black communities, LGBTQ communities, those in the military, those with behavioral health conditions, and others. 

No matter your age or how long you’ve been smoking, quitting improves health both immediately and over the long term. Giving up smoking is a journey, and it can be hard, but you can increase your chances of success with a good plan and support. Getting help through counseling and medications doubles or even triples your chances of quitting successfully. 

- American Cancer Society

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