Pancreatic Cancer Action launches hard-hitting Deadly Killer campaign
A new campaign is exposing the hard-hitting truth that pancreatic cancer is a silent killer that does not wait or discriminate. PIF member Pancreatic Cancer Action has launched its #DeadlyKiller campaign during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month to highlight how spotting the signs of the disease could save your life. The charity warns how pancreatic cancer strikes fast, hides behind ordinary symptoms that seem harmless and too often goes unnoticed until it is too late.
Key messages and statistics shared as part of the campaign include:
- Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest of all the common cancers.
- Every year, there are nearly 10,000 new pancreatic cancer cases in the UK, yet only 1 in 10 of patients with this cancer are diagnosed in time for life-saving surgery.
- In the UK, more than 9 in 10 of all patients die within 5 years of diagnosis.
- 5 in 10 of the people diagnosed with this deadly disease will die within 3 months.
- Across the UK, 5 in 10 people know ‘almost nothing’ about this deadly disease, and more than 7 in 10 cannot name a single symptom.
Spotting the symptoms could save your life
The Deadly Killer campaign seeks to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic Cancer Action says recognising the symptoms early and acting fast could save your life, or someone else’s. When you know the signs, you have a chance to fight back against this deadly killer, the charity says. If you have persistent or worsening symptoms that are not usual for you, then you should visit your GP or call NHS 111 to investigate.
The symptoms highlighted are:
- Mid-back pain, where a bra strap would sit and may be eased by leaning forward.
- Persistent indigestion or heartburn.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and/or very itchy skin).
- Changes in bowel habits.
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the abdomen.
- Loss of appetite.
- New-onset diabetes.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fatigue.
There is more information about the symptoms on the Deadly Killer campaign page on the Pancreatic Cancer Action website. People may not have all these symptoms and they may come and go, varying in severity. For those who are experiencing a variety of these symptoms simultaneously, the charity says it is important to relay this to your GP or health professional to reinforce why you are concerned about pancreatic cancer.
The campaign also shares real stories of those who have faced pancreatic cancer and the families determined to help others spot the signs before it is too late.