Wests Tigers and the Canberra Raiders will be wearing #PurpleOurWorld socks to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer when they clash at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday, September 4.
Additionally, for the second year, the St George Illawarra Dragons will be wearing #PurpleOurWorld socks during their final round match against the Newcastle Knights at UOW Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Saturday, September 3.
The St George Illawarra Dragons have been personally affected by pancreatic cancer with halfback Benji Marshall losing his father seven years ago.
Awareness of pancreatic cancer, long-understood as a silent killer, has been minimal, despite high profile people such as Patrick Swayze, Steve Jobs, Ian Ross and Peter Harvey being diagnosed with, and passing away from the disease.
Yet, in 2016, more than 3000 cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in Australia. It’s projected that over 2800 people will not survive.
Statistics:
· Around the world more than 330,000 people will die from pancreatic cancer each year.
· Only 6.8% of patients live beyond five years after diagnosis. This number has only slightly improved over the past 30 years.
· Pancreatic cancers are the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia.
· Pancreatic cancer receives less than 2% of overall cancer research funding.
· The average survival is just six months.
#PurpleOurWorld, together with Wests Tigers, the Canberra Raiders and St George Illawarra Dragons are hoping to change these statistics.
If you’re heading to the game, pop on some purple and help us spread the word.
Key dates:
November – Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
17 November – World Pancreatic Cancer Day
