Free luminaries to spread pancreatic cancer awareness

More than 41,000 people are estimated to die from pancreatic cancer in the United States in 2016, making it the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the country. Awareness is needed: That’s why, on Nov. 17, CoxHealth is asking local individuals and businesses to “light the night” for World Pancreatic Cancer Day with a purple candle or luminary in honor and memory of those battling the disease. In connection with the cause, free luminaries will be available on Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the lobby of Hulston Cancer Center (3850 S. National Ave., Springfield).

“Pancreatic cancer is a silent killer as there’s no recommended screening for it,” says Autumn Bragg, community oncology educator at CoxHealth. “That’s why awareness is crucial. We feel that if local people and businesses show this support, it will help others realize this is a disease one must take note of.”

The type of cancer often goes undetected, with few signs or symptoms – but ultimately, it will take more lives than breast cancer. And the five-year average survival rate is only eight percent. “We want as many people as possible to know about the disease so we can work to find a cure,” says Bragg.

For more information about the luminaries or pancreatic cancer support, please call 417-269-5224.