Uniting for action on World Pancreatic Cancer Day
(L-R) Jreissati Pancreatic Centre staff Jane El Khoury and Rebekah de Losa at Epworth Camberwell.
On 21 November 2024, the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre joined the global effort to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Australia.
To mark the day, awareness booths were set up at Epworth Geelong, Epworth Hawthorn, Epworth Camberwell, Epworth Eastern, Epworth Freemasons, and Epworth Richmond. These booths shared free educational materials to highlight the symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection for pancreatic cancer.
A highlight of the day was the interactive quiz, Know Your Pancreas, which helped educate the community about the pancreas, its functions, and the impact of pancreatic disease. Completed more than 1,000 times, the quiz provided an engaging opportunity for learning and raising awareness about this often-overlooked organ.
“Knowledge is one of the best tools we have to detect pancreatic cancer early and improve survival,” said Centre Director A/Prof Andrew Metz. “It takes all of us coming together to raise awareness and make a difference.”
World Pancreatic Cancer Day is a reminder that collective action can drive meaningful change. The Jreissati Pancreatic Centre is dedicated to advancing clinical trials, developing new treatments, and providing comprehensive support for patients. This includes symptom management, mental health care, nutritional support, and tailored resources for high-risk individuals.