About Pancreatic cancer action
Pancreatic Cancer Action: Driving Early Diagnosis and Awareness
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with a survival rate of just 9% after five years. It is often diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment options are limited and the chances of survival are low. However, early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer. That's where Pancreatic Cancer Action comes in.
Pancreatic Cancer Action is a UK-based charity that focuses on the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The charity was founded in 2010 by Ali Stunt, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 41. After undergoing surgery to remove her tumour, Ali realised that there was a lack of awareness about pancreatic cancer and its symptoms. She decided to set up Pancreatic Cancer Action to raise awareness and drive early diagnosis.
The mission of Pancreatic Cancer Action is simple: to improve survival rates for people with pancreatic cancer through earlier diagnosis. The charity aims to achieve this by raising awareness about the symptoms of pancreatic cancer among both healthcare professionals and the general public, funding research into new diagnostic tools and treatments for pancreatic cancer, and providing support for patients and their families.
One key aspect of Pancreatic Cancer Action's work is its focus on educating healthcare professionals about the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Many doctors are not familiar with these symptoms or may mistake them for other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or gallstones. By providing training sessions for GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, Pancreatic Cancer Action aims to ensure that more cases are diagnosed at an earlier stage.
Another important part of Pancreatic Cancer Action's work is its fundraising efforts to support research into new diagnostic tools and treatments for pancreatic cancer. The charity has funded several research projects over the years aimed at improving our understanding of this disease and developing new ways to detect it earlier.
In addition to its awareness-raising and research activities, Pancreatic Cancer Action also provides support for patients and their families. The charity offers a range of resources on its website, including information about pancreatic cancer, advice on managing symptoms and side effects of treatment, and a forum where patients can connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
Pancreatic Cancer Action relies on the support of donors to fund its work. There are many ways to get involved with the charity, from making a one-time donation to organising a fundraising event or taking part in one of the charity's challenge events. Every penny raised goes towards driving early diagnosis and improving outcomes for people with pancreatic cancer.
In conclusion, Pancreatic Cancer Action is an important charity that is working hard to improve survival rates for people with pancreatic cancer through earlier diagnosis. By raising awareness about the symptoms of this disease among healthcare professionals and the general public, funding research into new diagnostic tools and treatments, and providing support for patients and their families, Pancreatic Cancer Action is making a real difference in the fight against this deadly disease. If you want to help drive early diagnosis and awareness of pancreatic cancer, consider supporting this vital charity today.