How the NBL is helping to change the game for upper GI cancers

The Hungry Jack’s NBL is pleased to partner with the Pancare Foundation to raise awareness for the need for greater support and funding for pancreatic and other upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers through the Change the Game campaign.

The opening round of the 2020/21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season will be dedicated to putting a spotlight on raising awareness and support for upper gastrointestinal cancers.

In support of the campaign, the NBL will be donating $10 to the Pancare Foundation for each jersey sold online at nblstore.com.au between January 15 – 22, 2021. Donations can also be made in support of the Pancare Foundation at changethegame.org.au.

Melbourne United forward David Barlow has had a family member impacted by pancreatic cancer and he wants to raise important awareness and funds for the disease.

“Earlier this year an extended family member of mine, Keon, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” Barlow said.

“He was just 39 and despite having felt unwell for some time, his symptoms were dismissed for other conditions. It came as a complete shock for him to be diagnosed with stage four cancer.

“I’ve watched him tackle this disease head on – fighting hard and not giving up despite the odds. He truly is an inspiration and I’m glad that the NBL is able to support the cause in this small way.”

Pancare Foundation CEO Doug Hawkins said: “We’re incredibly thankful for the support of the Hungry Jack’s NBL in supporting the Change the Game campaign.

“More Australian’s will die from an upper gastrointestinal cancer this year than breast and prostate cancer combined. These cancers have remained in the dark for too long. It’s absolutely critical that we generate awareness of upper GI cancers and change the game to improve survival rates.”

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “We’re pleased to help fight these cancers and support the Pancare Foundation through the Change the Game campaign.

“We are ready to do all we can to help raise awareness and highlight the need for greater funding and support for pancreatic and other upper GI cancers.”

Often referred to as a silent killer, upper gastrointestinal cancers (pancreatic, liver, stomach, biliary and oesophageal cancers) tend to go undiagnosed in the early stages due to the presentation of vague systems. With no early detection tests, limited treatment options and severely underfunded research, the average five-year survival rate across the five cancers is just 20 percent.

Over 11,600 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with an upper gastrointestinal cancer this year. One of the major types of upper gastrointestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, is known as one of Australia’s lowest survival cancers with a five-year survival rate of just 10.7 percent.

The 2020/21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season tips off on Friday 15 January with a blockbuster game between the Adelaide 36ers and Melbourne United at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.  

Visit changethegame.org.au to learn more.