A WICKHAMFORD daughter is determined to raise awareness of the disease which took her father so others don’t have to go through her pain.
Abi Stock’s dad, Chris, who was only 54 was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2018 and sadly passed away just six months later. His first symptom was a pain in his stomach which got progressively worse and he started to lose weight.
Unfortunately Chris’ diagnosis was discovered too late for life-saving surgery as his tumour was wrapped around a major vein, so he was offered chemotherapy in the hope of shrinking his tumour.
Chris was then able to have Whipple surgery, which removes tumours, but suffered some post-op complications and he was left fighting for his life.
Abi said: “On September 23 my dad passed away surrounded by his close family. Devastated and heartbroken just doesn’t begin to describe it.
“This deadly cancer has changed my life forever and I don’t think I will ever get over this. My dad really was the best person, he was my best friend as well as my dad.
“Coming from an extremely close family, it has seriously broken us, and anything I can do to help raise awareness I will grab with both hands.”
According to statistics from a recent survey, awareness of pancreatic cancer in the West Midlands is very low. Only 13 per cent of the population know a lot about the disease.
Pancreatic Cancer Action is launching the first multi-targeted awareness initiative next month. The campaign will raise awareness amongst the general public, pharmacy teams and GPs to tackle the issue from all angles.
The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just seven per cent as it can only be cured if it is diagnosed in time for surgery. After surgery, survival rates increase to 30 per cent.
Ali Stunt, founder and CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “As someone who has had the fortune to be diagnosed early, we need to make sure other people can have the same outcome.”
“As a small charity we have concentrated our efforts in small regions of the UK as funds have allowed.
“However, our ambition is to help us get this campaign to all corners of the UK.
“By ensuring that more people are aware of the disease, the symptoms and their risk, we can help change the story for pancreatic cancer.
“It is not ‘the silent killer’, as it has been dubbed, and going to the GP with symptoms early can help more patients to be diagnosed in time for surgery and potentially save their lives.”
To find out the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer, visit https://pancreaticcancer action.org/about-pancreatic-cancer/symptoms/ or to donate https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/support-us/donate/
