November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and we have teamed up with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to spread awareness in hopes to find a cure to this deadly disease.

More than 55,000 Americans are estimated to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018, resulting in more than 150 people diagnosed every day. Pancreatic cancer is the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the 11th most commonly diagnosed in men in the U.S. Pancreatic cancer may only cause vague, unexplained symptoms so it is integral to consult with a physician if there is history of pancreatic cancer within your family.

Even if there is no hereditary history, if symptoms like weight loss, abdomen or back pain, jaundice, changes in stool, pancreatitis, nausea occur, talking with a professional is highly recommended as those could be symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

The fight against pancreatic cancer is a tough one because most patients are diagnosed in later stages where surgery is not an option anymore. Early detection studies are needed and as technology is continuously improving, researchers believe there will be progress in detecting the cancer earlier.

Purple Stride has been integral to the fight as it is labeled “the walk to end pancreatic cancer.” By fundraising, getting involved and spreading the word about the walk, this event has become well-know all around the country. This year, Purple Stride Cincinnati raised over $321,000 for pancreatic cancer research. Over the past few years, our own Executive Vice President Charlie Howard has been the honorary chairman of the Purple Stride event in Cincinnati. Pancreatic cancer has hit GCADA close to home as we have lost loved ones in the past to this deadly disease. But, fundraising is only half the battle. It is our duty to spread as much awareness of this disease as we can.

With all this being said, it is so important to get involved in this cause. The more awareness and research being done, the more likely we can beat this disease for good. Being involved in awareness walks, raising money for research and speaking to elected individuals advocating for increased funding for research can all be ways to help combat this deadly disease.

For Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, the Greater Cincinnati Automobile Dealers Association has partnered up with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to create a public service announcement in efforts to spread the word about pancreatic cancer.

The only way to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020 and further in the future, is through advancements in research. With the help from Congress and people like us to spread awareness, we can take down this terrible disease.