Today is World Pancreatic Cancer Day and an estimated 985 people across the globe will die from the disease today alone.

Pancreatic cancer is the 7th most common cause of cancer-related deaths across the world and statistics confirm that it is no more curable than rarer cancers but progress is being made on treatments.

Around 500 people are diagnosed with the disease in Ireland each year and most cases occur in adults over the age of 60.

Have you checked https://t.co/22FwT2OAo1? Read stories of people around the world who are #InItTogether to fight #pancreaticcancer on #WPCD

— #WPCD (@worldpancreatic) November 17, 2016

Dr Robert O'Connor outlines some of the symptoms that are cause for concern: "The symptoms can be a little bit vague. These would tend to hit in later-middle age but they can include unexplained wait-loss, jaundice, changes in the colour of the urine or the stools, certain kinds of itching unexplained nausea and vomiting which would go on for a period of time. Abdominal pain and pain particularly around the back area."

"If somebody was complaining of those, they should go to their GP," he added 

The pancreas is situated behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It works to help the body use and store energy. The cause of the majority of pancreatic cancer cases is unknown and only between 2-10 per cent of those diagnosed survive.