Pancreatic cancer is one of the top five causes of cancer deaths in Queensland.

Tragically, a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer reduces the chance of living another five years by 92 per cent.

More than 520 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year in Queensland, and around 450 lose their lives to the disease.

Currently, pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest cancers to detect and treat.

There is no routine screening test for the disease, so it is vital to know the symptoms of abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, changes in bowel movements and jaundice.

Sometimes symptoms only occur once the disease has advanced, making it much harder to beat.

While the causes of pancreatic cancer are largely unknown, factors that can put people at higher risk are smoking, older age, diabetes, a family history of pancreatic, ovarian or bowel cancer, chronic pancreatitis and gastrectomy surgery.

If you have any of the above symptoms, don’t delay in visiting your GP.

Help make a difference this November by also encouraging friends and family to get to know the symptoms.

Awareness and research is key to improving survival rates and reducing the burden on those affected.

Donating to Cancer Council Queensland will also help support our work in research to find more effective detection methods and treatments for pancreatic cancer, and provide as support services for those affected.

If you or a loved one is affected by cancer, reach out support and information via 13 11 20 or www.cancerqld.org.au

Chris McMillan

CEO, Cancer Council Queensland

When I was a drinker, I shared many a cleansing ale and the occasional socio/politico/philosophical debate with John Molony.

I considered him a friend and still would if I met him again.

I don't recall him ever calling me Mr Harley or using that lovely phrase "nattering nabob (s) of negativity" that he purloined without attribution from Spiro Agnew's speech-writer, William Safire.

As for me running for public office?   I am sure many good people enter politics full of good intentions.

It is what they have to do to stay there I couldn't put up with.

I like to sleep at night with a nice clean, clear un-compromised conscience.

I could not bear to deal with venal lobby groups, loopy balance of power pollies and various vested interests.

It seems some people, like the three generations of Katters, like that sort of thing.  

George Harley  

Mount Isa 

Readers congratulated Robbie Katter on his election victory on the weekend

Scott Laurie Congrats Robert Katter you had my number 1 vote. Keep those major parties honest.

Dana Ingram Hope he can do a better job this time, Mt Isa shire, people need help in lots of ways.

Gary Osman smashed them Robbie. oh it was all over at 7pm never in doubt great campaign

Steven Cameron Mckelvey-Vaughan Congratulations Robbie. Good work mate.

Marco Antonio Bracchi That’s awesome Congratulations

Caroline Nicol Whoo hoo Congratulations

Kimberley Farrell Time to sort them out. Xxx congratulations mate. Getting it DONE !