Pancare and Floorworld: The Why, The Facts and Cancer Symptoms (2025)
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It's that time of year again, except a bit earlier...
For those who may not know, every November for six years running, Floorworld has been committed to partnering with the Pancare Foundation to help raise money for those affected by Upper GI Cancers.
This year is a little different; we have extended the promotion into both October and November to make this year the biggest it has ever been.
To do that, we need your help.
The Why
What is an Upper GI Cancer, you may ask?
It's not the most glamorous of names, but Upper GI cancers are the umbrella term for Upper Gastrointestinal cancers such as Pancreatic, Liver, Stomach, Biliary, and Oesophageal cancers.
Alarmingly, Upper GI cancers are often called "silent cancers" because the early symptoms are hard to catch or usually just dismissed. This leads to later diagnosis and worse outcomes.
These cancers are some of the most lethal in the world, while also being some of the most underrepresented when it comes to research and awareness.
And that's where the Pancare Foundation comes in, to shift the narrative. For years, Pancare has been working to raise funds for valuable research to combat and mitigate the impact of Upper GI cancers, while also providing a support network and resources to loved ones and individuals who are directly affected.
You only need to ask around, and you'll find someone whose life was tragically affected by cancer. Floorworld is no exception, having lost two of its members, Billy Tsapatsaris and Glenn Jeffcoat.
It's why Floorworld is so proud to partner with the Pancare Foundation and "Step up for a Cure" this October and November. Together, with your help, let's win the fight against Upper GI cancers.
The Facts
- Upper gastrointestinal cancers cause about 1 in 5 cancer deaths each year in Australia.- They account for around 18% of cancer deaths and 8% of all cancer diagnoses each year in Australia.
- In Australia, more than 13,100 new cases of upper GI cancer are diagnosed annually.
- Australia is expected to have over 200,000 new cases of Upper GI Cancer from 2022 to 2035.
- Australia is projected to have around 163,000 deaths from Upper GI Cancers from 2022 to 2035.
- Pancreatic cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of any cancer. Only around 11.5% of patients reach the 5-year survival mark.
- In comparison, the rate is over 90% for breast and prostate cancers.
- The current five-year survival rate for Upper GI Cancer is worse than it was in 1975.
- More Australians die each year from upper GI cancers than from leukaemia, breast and prostate cancers combined.
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The Symptoms and What to Watch out for
Upper GI cancers affect internal organs, so the warning signs can be difficult to notice, especially since symptoms often overlap with common digestive issues.
That's why it's essential to recognise symptoms when they appear in a pattern or with increasing frequency or severity.
The Symptoms:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Pale or dark, smelly and floating stools
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting after meals
- Gradually worsening upper abdominal or back pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Worsening itching of the skin
- New onset of diabetes
- Fatigue or weakness
- Blood in vomit
- Low iron levels
- Difficulty swallowing
- Harsh, raspy, strained voice
- Pain, pressure or burning of the throat or chest
All information was collected directly from the resources provided and collated by the Pancare Foundation. If you wanted more information, wanted to donate to support the cause, or had someone affected by an Upper GI cancer who needs support, check out their website.
