Home Local News County Hall turns purple to support pancreatic cancer awareness

County Hall turns purple to support pancreatic cancer awareness

0

Lancashire’s historic County Hall is lit up with purple lights until the end of November to support the ‘Turn it purple’ campaign to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.

The campaign, run by national charity Pancreatic Cancer Action, calls for organisations and people to highlight the fifth deadliest cancer in the UK by embracing purple – the symbolic colour for pancreatic cancer.

Illuminating buildings and other community landmarks with purple lights and encouraging people to wear something purple are some of the ways people are being encouraged to support the campaign.

The idea behind the campaign is to help generate discussion and awareness of pancreatic cancer and its symptoms.

Every year almost 9,000 men and women will be newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Due to late diagnosis, people could be faced with a shockingly low chance of survival and an average life expectancy of three to six months.

This is the second year Lancashire County Council has supported the campaign.

Jennifer Mein, Leader of the county council, said: “I’m pleased that we’re once again lighting County Hall in purple to encourage people to talk about pancreatic cancer to raise awareness of this deadly disease.

“Everyone in Lancashire will know someone who has been affected by cancer in some way and identifying the disease early means you’re much more likely to treat it successfully.

“I hope that people will be reminded about this as they walk past County Hall and see the purple lights. I’m pleased the county council is able to do its bit to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.”

Ali Stunt, CEO at Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “Each year we are overwhelmed by the huge numbers of supporters who embrace the colour purple to raise awareness.

“We are delighted that Lancashire County Council is taking part. It’s thanks to their participation that the campaign will become a success and more people will become aware.”

In Lancashire, an average of 179 people die from pancreatic cancer every year.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, the county council’s director of public health, said: “The survival rate from pancreatic cancer is shockingly low.

“Few people with the disease survive and surgery is the only cure. By the time the disease has been discovered, their life expectancy is only three to six months on average.

“There are few symptoms to pancreatic cancer and early diagnoses greatly improves the chance of survival.

“Anything we can do to improve the chances of people being diagnosed earlier is crucial and I think the Turn it purple campaign will help.

“Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer include stomach or back pain, jaundice and weight loss. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many different health conditions and are not usually the result of cancer.

“However, if you are concerned or suddenly develop these symptoms, you should contact your GP.

“Giving up smoking, making sure we don’t become obese and generally living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.”

To take part in Turn it purple or to find out more about pancreatic cancer, visit www.pancreaticcanceraction.org.

Screening programmes are offered to help people to detect bowel, cervical and breast cancer earlier across Lancashire. Taking up your invitation for screening gives you the best chances for survival.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here