Recognizing World Pancreatic Cancer Day in Senior Housing
World Pancreatic Cancer Day is a vital reminder of the ongoing fight against this challenging disease, especially within senior housing communities. This day allows us to raise awareness, educate residents and their families, and promote a supportive environment. It aims to empower residents and encourage open conversations about health and wellness through informational sessions, health screenings, and community discussions.
World Pancreatic Cancer Day
The World Pancreatic Cancer Day celebration is on the third Thursday of November each year. For ten years, it has raised awareness around the world that it is one of the most challenging cancers. On this day, communities, including senior housing, raise awareness and support the people battling the disease.
In commemorating World Pancreatic Cancer Day, people unite and help spread the word about pancreatic cancer. The day also aims to raise awareness about its prevention and treatment. Many health organizations in 30 countries join hands to encourage awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Look for Signs in Senior Housing
The pancreas is a gland in the abdomen that aids in food digestion. When it becomes infected with cancer cells, it can present symptoms, including bloating, fatigue, jaundice, nausea, and lack of appetite. Pancreatic cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, the survival rates are low because it is hard to detect in its early stages.
The symptoms can be hard to determine, but only once the tumor starts affecting other organs in the digestive system. The healthcare provider may suspect the emergence of the disease once you have recently developed diabetes or pancreatitis.
Pain in the abdomen or back is caused by the tumor pushing against or invading nerves or organs near the pancreas. Another area of pain happens when the cancer blocks the digestive tract. Patients experiencing poor appetite, indigestion, and nausea can be expected in people with the disease. Note that some or all of the symptoms mentioned may occur when the tumor presses against the stomach.
In addition, if the patient’s skin and eyes begin to show yellowing due to excess bilirubin in the blood, this is a sign that the patient has jaundice. People with jaundice may experience itchiness of the skin, abnormally dark urine, and light or clay-colored stool.
For the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, healthcare providers suggest a combination of tests, including imaging tests, blood tests, staging laparoscopy, and genetic testing. The good thing is that early detection and treatment can make complete remission possible. However, the only way to cure pancreatic cancer is the total surgical removal of the tumor.
Residents in senior housing should be tested for pancreatic cancer when the said symptoms are observed. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you must bring them up with your doctor or healthcare provider to receive supportive or palliative care.
Looking for excellent senior care in Nebraska? Click here to learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living!
Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper
