Pancreatic Cancer UK

We’re excited to be supporting the Rare Cancers Bill, a new potential law, which is due to be debated in the House of Commons this March. Dr Scott Arthur, a Labour MP, has brought this legislation forward in Parliament to drive desperately needed research into cancers that affect fewer than 1 in 2000 people in the UK. Read more in the blog: https://bit.ly/3XiHMgJ

The Daily Mail have published an article on some exciting research projects that we believe could turn the tide for people with pancreatic cancer in the future. This includes the breath test, a project funded by us, which hopes to develop a breathalyser test that could detect chemicals found in the breath of people with the disease. As part of the article, supporter, Alice Rees shared how she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the summer of 2023. Thankfully chemotherapy shrank the tumour, meaning she was eligible for surgery and follow-up scans have since been clear. Knowing how lucky she is, Alice shared her story to raise awareness of the disease and the importance of funding research into early detection and better treatments. https://bit.ly/41AsQvV

Did you know you can make a difference every payday? Payroll giving is the easiest and most tax effective way to regularly support our cutting-edge research and vital support services. And with a gift of £8 a month, you could accelerate research breakthroughs. Research like Dr Pilar Acedo's, whose investigation into blood proteins could help develop diagnostic tests and better treatment. Find out how you can sign up here today: https://bit.ly/4hxzc5J #PayrollGivingMonth

Next in our #MeetTheNurses series is Rachel! Rachel has been nursing for over 20 years and has varied experiences of working in the NHS. She has lots of experience in supporting and caring for palliative patients, enabling them to have end of life care in their preferred place. Before joining Pancreatic Cancer UK, Rachel’s most recent post was looking after patients diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal cancers, including pancreatic cancers, ensuring that they were fully supported and receiving the most appropriate treatment, Fun fact: Rachel loves singing and musical theatre - and has even been in a few amateur theatre shows! If you or someone you care about has pancreatic cancer, we are here to help. Call 0808 801 07 07 to speak to one of our specialist nurses.

There are just two days until our emergency PERT event in Westminster calling on the Government to end the PERT shortages. Over 2000 of us have invited our MPs to the emergency PERT event. Invite yours today and help us end the shortages: https://bit.ly/4jkquZP. If you or someone you know has been affected by the PERT shortages, we are here to support you. While we are unable to help you access PERT, our nurses can help with managing symptoms linked to a lack of enzymes. Call 0808 801 0707 to speak to a specialist nurse.

Pete, aged 60, husband of Christine and father to Ben and Daniel, was the life and soul of the party. A music enthusiast who could tell you the most interesting and random of facts relating to a song, band or artist. "Whilst on holiday in Yorkshire at the end of August 2024, Dad experienced severe abdominal and back pain. He was taking medication for constant indigestion as that’s what the doctor advised. Five days later, Dad attended A&E after developing jaundice. Scans showed a 5.5cm tumour in the head of his pancreas. From the moment the tumour was detected we lived in hope that the tumour or even the whole pancreas could be removed during a ‘Whipple’s procedure’, but unknown to us the cancer had already spread to his liver. Whilst awaiting another biopsy, which was around 8 weeks later, Dad’s health started to decline rapidly. He was only able to eat very small amounts of food and he disliked the taste of food. He felt constantly bloated and full and eating became a painful chore. He was starting to lose weight at a rapid rate and eventually stopped eating altogether. Six weeks after the tumour was discovered, Dad’s health took a dramatic turn. A second biopsy showed that he had pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis. He was now assigned a palliative care team from the hospice, who provided invaluable care and treatment throughout. Dad wanted to be treated at home and the hospice team made that happen. Dad and our family remained positive throughout even though we understood the bleak outlook. Dad passed away at home in the early hours of the 3rd November 2024, 9 weeks after the tumour was discovered. The speed and aggressiveness at which the pancreatic cancer took hold was astonishing. Dad was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few years previous which researchers understand can be a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. The absence of early detection or screening is one thing we will campaign for, as it can save lives and must be focused on as without this, the odds are stacked against the patient." Thank you to Ben for sharing his Dad Pete's story. Read Pete's story in full: https://bit.ly/41gRYIS

Some people find learning through video easier than reading. That’s why we make information videos on a range of topics. Watch Lisa, our specialist nurse, explain what the pancreas does and what pancreatic cancer is. Have a look at our website for videos about being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, caring for someone with pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy and surgery 👇🏾 https://bit.ly/43dBouK

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer. But do you know the symptoms? Someone with pancreatic cancer may not have all the symptoms listed here, as they vary for each person, but if you know the symptoms, there's a better chance you, or someone close to you, will be diagnosed early enough for treatment. Read more about the signs and symptoms: https://bit.ly/3TWzaZ7

Remembering a loved one is an important part of grieving them, and we're grateful that so many choose to do so by creating a Together in Memory page and supporting our vital work in their name. Edward set up a tribute page in memory of his wife, Sabina, who passed from pancreatic cancer just four months after her diagnosis. After an initial misdiagnosis, Sabina was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2024. There was some hope that she might be able to have surgery to potentially remove her cancer, but by the time doctors operated, the cancer had spread to her liver. But Sabina was determined to attend their daughter's wedding three weeks after her operation. 'She said it was like being dropped into fairyland for a day, where everything was magical, beautiful, and happy.' Sadly, her condition continued to deteriorate, and with her body too weak to receive chemo and repeated hospital stays, Sabina decided to move into a hospice. Surrounded by family, she was only there for a week. Edward created a tribute page so family and friends had a place to remember Sabina's kindness and brightness, and to raise funds for our research into early detection and treatment, and our support services. With his generous support, we can provide more than hope to everyone affected by pancreatic cancer so that more people survive to live long and well. We are so grateful for his compassion. 💜 If you would like to set up a tribute page for your loved one, visit Together in Memory today: https://bit.ly/3Sy1jEN

If you or someone you know has pancreatic cancer, we are here for you, whatever questions you may have. We can talk to you about how to manage your symptoms, care and treatment options, nutrition and more. To speak to one of our specialist nurses, email at nurse@pancreaticcancer.org.uk or call 0808 801 0707. 💜