A number of East Dunbartonshire’s best-known buildings are turning purple on World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Thursday November 17, to raise awareness of this devastating cancer.
Community Hubs in Bearsden, Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs, along with Milngavie Town Hall and Mugdock Country Park Courtyard, will be taking part as people around the world join forces to “Turn it Purple” and help save lives. Over 10,000 people and their loved ones face a pancreatic cancer diagnosis every year in the UK.
Council Leader Gordan Low, said, "We are proud to be supporting this global event once again this year by lighting up our most prominent buildings in purple light."
"Pancreatic cancer typically has very low survival rates and, therefore, raising awareness of this illness - its risks and its symptoms - is absolutely key to early detection and treatment. Of the 22 common cancers, pancreatic cancer has the lowest five year survival rate, with fewer than eight per cent of those diagnosed reaching this milestone.
"Campaigns such as this help increase awareness and ultimately, the survival rate. We hope that by lighting up our highest profile buildings in this way, we are providing a public forum to remember loved ones in our community who have sadly died of the disease, and celebrate the lives of survivors."
Since 2011, the five year survival rate has increased from 3.8 per cent to just under 8 per cent due to a big push on campaigning by dedicated charities. The aim is to increase this to 13 per cent in the coming decade.
Early symptoms of the illness can include jaundice, changes to bowel habits, nausea, unexplained weight loss, pain in the mid-back or upper abdomen and fatigue. For more information, visit Pancreatic cancer action scotland.