November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Pancreatic Cancer is a particularly deadly cancer, with a five-year survival rate of merely 10.7%. To raise awareness, Canteen Australia, the national charity supporting young people impacted by cancer, are hosting their “Walk in November” challenge. Canteen is encouraging Australians to take 10,000 steps a day in the month of November to stand up to cancer.
St Ives local Imogen was first diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer at the age of 11. After undergoing surgery to remove the mass from her pancreas, complications from the surgery, and a significant amount of trauma, Imogen was soon cancer-free. Though, the cancer returned in her spleen at the age of 16, found through biannual screening appointments. At 18 years old, she is now currently in remission.
Canteen Australia was a support system for Imogen during her treatment after the second cancer diagnosis. Canteen provides counselling, resources, ways to connect with other’s experiencing cancer or witnessing a loved one experiencing cancer, events, and programs.
Imogen is grateful for the aid that Canteen provided her as she battled cancer for the second time and has taken up the 10,000-step challenge so they are able to continue their work for other young Australians. ‘I wanted to take part in the challenge to help Canteen raise awareness of the support that Canteen provides,’ explains Imogen. ‘Every young person who goes through cancer, it doesn’t matter if they have it or a family member, [Canteen] is very beneficial.’
Committing to take 10,000 steps a day has been aptly named as a challenge, in Imogen’s eyes, but it has been rewarding to complete. ‘It’s a great way to get myself up,’ says Imogen. ‘My mum has taken part in it with me, so it’s been a nice way to bond. I’ve been walking to my local shops every day.’
Imogen recently sat her Higher School Certificate exams and has been offered early entry into the Australian Catholic University and Western Sydney University. She hopes to complete tertiary education to become a social worker.
‘From the support of my social workers when being in hospital, and Canteen inspired me because they helped me so much, I want to give back to others who are also going through a hard time,’ says Imogen.
For more information about Walk in November, visit www.raiseit.org.au/event/steps-in-nov-23
For information about Canteen Australia, visit www.canteen.org.au
