November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and 17 November 2022 marks an important date in the diary for people around the world to unite and raise awareness for this deadly disease that impacts so many people year after year.
Information from Cancer Research UK shows that there are over 10,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer each year in the UK. Alarmingly, the survival rate of pancreatic cancer has not improved over the last 40 years and this disease is on the rise. One person in the UK dies from the disease every hour.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
The pancreas is a large gland, around 6-10 inches long that sits behind the stomach. Your pancreas creates enzymes which help to break down foods, playing a large role in the body’s digestion system. It also produces hormones such as insulin, glucagon, amylin and gastrin. The organ is an elongated pear shape.
There are a few medical problems which can affect your pancreas which include diabetes, pancreatitis, cysts and cancer. Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells grow forming a tumour or mass.
Treatment options will depend on how quickly the cancer is diagnosed, the health of the patient and how developed the cancer is. Treatments could include surgery to remove the mass, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of the two or three.
How to Spot the Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
As with many other cancers, often there are little to no symptoms in the early stages. As the cancer progresses symptoms can be mild or come and go causing little alarm.
Symptoms to look out for are:
- Indigestion
- Stomach or back pain
- Changes to your bowl movements
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Itchy skin
- Fatigue
- Feeling or being sick
Late Diagnosis
Due to the initial mild symptoms that could be put down to several other health issues, it is unfortunately quite common for people to go some time without a diagnosis. This is either due to putting off seeing a doctor due the unpleasant symptoms or because it can be difficult for GPs to spot the signs and make the relevant referrals. A staggering 48% of pancreatic cancer diagnoses are made only after an emergency hospital admission.
80% of pancreatic cancer patients are only diagnosed once the disease is metastatic, meaning it has spread to other organs. In this situation usually surgery is no longer an option.
Medical Negligence
When cancers are missed, misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, treatment options can be greatly reduced, and conditions can become more severe.
If you or a loved one have experienced a delayed diagnosis of cancer, then you may wish to speak to a legal expert about making a claim. Call our experts on 01256 844888, email enquiries@lambbrooks.com or speak to our online chat assistant who can take some initial details and arrange for a call back.
We only work on a no win/no fee (CFA) basis, meaning that there is no risk of financial loss for you or your family. In your first phone call, our experts will take details at your own pace and learn about your situation. If further details are needed, then they will ask for you to provide additional information before giving you a clear and honest opinion on your chances of success to bring a claim.