BUFFALO, N.Y. — The City of Buffalo lit its monuments purple on Thursday night in recognition of World Pancreatic Cancer Day.
November also happens to be Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network says that age, smoking, being overweight, a family history of pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes might increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is also particularly lethal. It has a five-year survival rate of just 9 percent and is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
In September, the inaugural PurpleStride Western New York 5K walk and run brought out survivors, impacted families, loved ones, researchers and advocates to RiverWorks and the waterfront.
The event supported pancreatic research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy. Organizers at the time said that nearly 1,100 people participated and that more than $181,000 was raised.
