Members' Business - Clare Adamson MSP: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

That the Parliament notes that November 2017 marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and that 16 November 2017 is World Pancreatic Cancer Day; congratulates all of the pancreatic cancer charities and their supporters on working tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition; notes that this year’s campaign, Demand Better, For Patients, For Survival, encourages action to increase awareness of the disease by, for example, wearing purple, lighting up local landmarks, using purple in social media posts and profiles, sharing knowledge with friends and family and getting involved in a wide variety of fundraising events over the year; understands that pancreatic cancer is one of the least survivable cancers and is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in Scotland; notes that there is currently no screening or early detection test for pancreatic cancer, although some are in development, which is progress that needs encouragement since early diagnosis can improve a patient’s chance of survival by ensuring early access to treatment; appreciates that the need for early diagnosis makes awareness and knowledge of the disease all the more important, and welcomes all efforts in this cause.