The National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute report that Rutherford County continues to see an increase in citizens diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, indicating that Rutherford County is now one of the top 5 counties for reported cases. Throughout the state, the Tennessee Department of Health reports that overall, cancer was the second leading cause of death in Tennessee, with 193,064 residents diagnosed with cancer and 71,249 residents who died from malignant cancers between 2015 and 2019.
In the 5-year window of study, the Department of Health released information showing that pancreatic cancer was the 4th most common cancer causing death throughout the entire Volunteer State, while lung cancer was recorded as being the leading cause of cancer deaths in the state.
During that same time frame of 2015 to 2019, Tennessee was recorded as having the 21st highest cancer incidence rate and the 6th highest cancer mortality rate in America.
As the number of those affected by pancreatic cancer becomes more concerning, the Tennessee affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) hopes to unite the community to fuel progress for pancreatic cancer patients. The organization will hold the PurpleStride Tennessee walk this April to generate additional funding for pancreatic cancer research and to support programs and services for pancreatic cancer patients and their families.
The upcoming PurpleStride walk will take place at the Nashville Fairgrounds near the Geodis Speedway on Saturday, April 26, at 9:30 AM. If you would like to participate in the walk, you can sign up online at www.purplestride.org/tennessee.
