August Cancer Awareness: Focusing on Rare Cancers and Palliative Care
August may not be the most recognized month for cancer awareness, but it carries a powerful message for some of the most overlooked yet critical areas of cancer care. Two important observances define this month: Appendix Cancer Awareness Month and Palliative Care & Cancer Pain Awareness. These campaigns aim to educate the public, support patients, and improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer.
Appendix Cancer Awareness Month
August is dedicated to increasing awareness about appendix cancer, a rare and often misdiagnosed disease. Many people only learn about it when they or a loved one receives a diagnosis—often by surprise during an appendectomy.
Key Facts:
Fewer than 1,000 cases of appendix cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
It often presents with vague symptoms or is discovered incidentally.
A challenging subtype, pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), spreads mucus-producing tumors within the abdominal cavity.
Why Awareness Matters:
Because appendix cancer is so rare, it lacks the attention and funding given to more common cancers. Raising awareness helps:
Encourage research funding for new treatment options.
Improve early detection and accurate diagnosis.
Connect patients with specialized care, such as cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC (heated chemotherapy).
Organizations like the ACPMP Research Foundation lead the charge in August to educate the public, fund research, and provide patient resources.
Palliative Care & Cancer Pain Awareness
August also highlights the importance of palliative care and cancer pain management, two areas that profoundly impact the lives of patients and their families. Unfortunately, these topics are often misunderstood or overlooked in traditional cancer discussions.
Key Facts:
Palliative care is not limited to end-of-life care; it can start at diagnosis to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Studies show that patients receiving early palliative care experience better physical, emotional, and even survival outcomes.
Pain remains one of the most common and undertreated symptoms among cancer patients worldwide.
Why Awareness Matters:
By promoting palliative care, we ensure that patients:
Understand their options for comprehensive, compassionate care.
Receive proper pain and symptom management throughout their treatment journey.
Overcome misconceptions that palliative care means “giving up”—when in fact, it’s about living better with cancer.
How You Can Support These Causes
Awareness is the first step toward action. Here’s how you can help this August:
Share educational resources on appendix cancer and palliative care.
Donate to organizations funding research and patient support services.
Advocate for better access to palliative care programs in healthcare systems.
Start conversations about rare cancers to help reduce stigma and increase understanding.
Final Thoughts: Every Ribbon Counts
August may not have the same visibility as other cancer awareness months, but the causes it represents are crucial. By learning, sharing, and supporting, we can help bring attention to rare cancers and the essential role of palliative care in the cancer journey.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
