A giant pancreas is preparing to take on Hagley parkrun as Christchurch researchers bring an unusual national roadshow home this weekend.

Inside the handmade costume will be Allison Love, a research assistant with ASPERT, a pancreatic research group based at the University of Otago, Christchurch. She is travelling the length of New Zealand in a campervan to get people talking about pancreatic cancer.

The #WhereIsMyPancreas Roadshow combines a playful approach with a serious message about digestion and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, known as PERT.

The 19-day journey began in Bluff on 1 November and will finish in Auckland on World Pancreatic Cancer Day, 19 November.

Along the way, the ASPERT pancreatic research team is visiting hospitals, hospices and communities to raise awareness of treatment that helps people whose pancreas can no longer produce enough digestive enzymes.

ASPERT principal investigator Dr Amanda Landers said a lack of awareness could mean people were missing out.

“Our 2021 study suggested 40% of pancreatic cancer patients had never heard of PERT (pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy).”

“PERT treatment can make a huge positive impact on digestion and quality of life in people with pancreatic problems, and that’s why our team is going on the road!”

The pancreas produces enzymes that help digest food. When cancer, surgery or other pancreatic conditions affect that function, people can struggle to absorb nutrients and experience bloating, cramping, weight loss and low energy.

The team said PERT was a fully funded medication taken with meals and snacks to help break down food.

Nurse Maude palliative care dietitian and ASPERT co-director Helen Brown said difficulties eating could also leave people feeling isolated.

“If you have uncomfortable symptoms after eating, you tend to pull out of activities, which can be incredibly isolating.”

The giant pancreas will attempt Hagley parkrun tomorrow, Saturday 7 November, at 8am in North Hagley Park.

The free, weekly 5km community event welcomes walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities, encouraging people to get active and connect with others. Love will tackle the course in costume to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and the team’s research.

The ASPERT team will then head to Nurse Maude in Merivale for a 10am photo opportunity.

The costume was created by University of Otago Anatomy Teaching Lab Manager and textile artist Fieke Neuman, using crystal organza and faux fur over an aluminium frame.

Love said the aim was to bring pancreatic research directly to the public.

“Researchers don’t often get the chance to talk directly to the public because their work can be niche or hard to describe. But work this important deserves an audience — and maybe even a huggable mascot.”

The roadshow is promoting an ASPERT study recruiting New Zealanders with pancreatic cancer, or who have had pancreatic surgery for cancer within the past two years.

Researchers are testing a set of questions designed to help health professionals identify digestive problems sooner. Participation involves two brief online questionnaires and a stool sample.