November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month!

Join National Baptist Convention Churches Nation-wide as we
Raise Awareness and Promote Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer on

Purple Light Sunday - November 20, 2011

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

All types of pancreatic cancer begin when abnormal cells grow out of control within the pancreas.  There are two types of cells in the pancreas, the exocrine cells and endocrine cells.  These cells also have different functions.  95% of pancreatic cancers are classified as exocrine tumors because they begin in the exocrine cells that produce enzymes to aid in digestion. 

Cancer of the pancreas is sometimes called a “silent” disease because symptoms are not usually present in early stages. Many patients have advanced disease by the time it becomes noticeable to the patient and the doctors. 

African-Americans have a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer compared to individuals of Asian, Hispanic or Caucasian descent. Pancreatic cancer is 2 times more likely to occur in people who have diabetes than in people who do not have diabetes. For people who are considered clinically obese, there may be a significantly increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Take a look at this brief informational video for more information:

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National Baptist Convention Churches are on the Move to Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

Use the link below to access a guide to assist you in planning for Pancreatic Cancer awareness activities in your local church and community.  The guide contains:

• Activity Suggestions for Purple Light Sunday, November 20
• Essential pancreatic cancer information
• Information and services available from our Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) Program
• How you can help fight pancreatic cancer
• Worship aids for November 20
  

 

We invite you to join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at a PurpleLight National Vigil for Hope in your local area. You may register to attend (free of charge), recognize people living and those whose lives were cut short by pancreatic cancer and/or make a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Click here to turn the country purple and sign up for a Purple Light Vigil for Hope

  To find a local event, visit:  www.purplestride.org

Keeping the Memory Alive:  Dr. Reuben Henry Green

Praised as a “giant among theologians” and a mentor to hundreds of ministers, Dr. Reuben Henry Green’s funeral did what he had done thousands of times in life: captivated a church audience.  Dr.Green died of complications from pancreatic cancer on April 24, 2008.  Among Dr. Green's many accomplishments are holding several posts in the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. 

Dr. Green’s writings were published extensively. Among the most recent endeavors are Sunday School commentaries for the National Baptist Publishing Board and a number of articles written for major Christian organizations and magazines. Just prior to his death, he finished compiling a book of “old religious” song lyrics and their meanings.

Click here for Dr. Green's Obituary

You can help keep Dr. Green's memory alive by making a contribution to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network:  click here to make a donation

Some Famous People Who Have Died from Pancreatic Cancer:

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. For more information about pancreatic cancer and how you can get involved, visit our website by clicking on the image above.