COLUMBUS, Ohio — November marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is estimated to be the third deadliest cancer this year. In Ohio, it's expected to claim over 2,000 lives.
Karon Joseph was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the summer of 2022.
What You Need To Know
- According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is estimated to be the third deadliest cancer this year
- Karon Joseph was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the summer of 2022
- Doctors said jaundice, weight loss and deep abdominal pain are all common signs of pancreatic cancer
"I mean, I still can't hardly believe it today,” said Joseph. “Where did it come from?"
She started chemotherapy almost immediately, followed by surgery and six weeks of radiation.
"I started chemo the 1st of August and quit in November,” said Joseph. "I lost my hair, most all of it. I lost 50 pounds."
But she said what saved her was faith and early detection.
"Dr. Aguila, I mean, he's the one that removed the tumor,” said Joseph, “but I think my faith and God helping him to get me through that. That's what got me through it."
Dr. Fernando Aguila, with Mount Carmel Health System, said the symptoms are tricky.
"The problem with pancreatic cancer is that many of the symptoms overlap with other more common diseases and less concerning diseases,” said Aguila.
But Dr. Aguila said it's better to be safe.
In Joseph's case, she's not entirely in the clear, but she's showing no signs, and for that, she's thankful.
"I've just had a lot of support and my faith in God just, you know, I guess carried me through,” said Joseph.
Joseph hopes to inspire others along the way: "Battling it? You got to fight it and believe that you can get that. You can fight it. You got to have faith in prayer."
Aguila said jaundice, weight loss, and deep abdominal pain are all common signs of pancreatic cancer.