Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 2023

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic Cancer UK is on a mission to double survivor rates in November. Join Ashtons Legal to help spread the word.

Thursday 16 November is very symbolic as it marks World Pancreatic Cancer Day. You may see flurries of purple, landmarks lit up, or people donning purple attire. This is the reason why.

Sadly, in the UK, cancer affects one in two people. With such high statistics, we all know somebody who has been affected by cancer in one way or another. When it comes to cancer, awareness is key. Acting quickly can make a huge difference to the prognosis.

There are more than 200 different types of cancer, so what exactly is pancreatic cancer?

The Pancreas

The pancreas plays an important function in our digestion. It makes enzymes which help the body breakdown food so the nutrients can be absorbed. It also makes hormones, including insulin, which is required to control sugar levels in your blood.

Pancreatic Cancer

There are different types of pancreatic cancer, but generally, pancreatic cancer is where the cells in your pancreas grow out of control before forming a lump. Pancreatic cancer can affect how your body absorbs nutrients and controls sugar levels in your blood.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer vary and may not be present in the early stages.

Symptoms can include the following:

• digestion issues
• tummy pain or back pain
• changes to your stools
• unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• jaundice (yellow skin or eyes and itchy skin)
• recent diagnosis of diabetes
• feeling sick or being sick
• blood clots
• fatigue (feeling very tired).

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is always worth seeking medical advice.

Support for Pancreatic Cancer

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you will be offered support by your local hospital, and your consultant will discuss your treatment plan.

There are many wonderful organisations out there that provide additional help and support if and when needed. Pancreatic Cancer UK is one.

So please join us at Ashtons and help spread awareness. Dig out something purple. Sharing information about why you are wearing purple could help save somebody’s life.

Contact our medical negligence solicitors today

If you believe we can assist you when pursuing a Medical Negligence claim, please get in contact with us on 0330 191 4835 or fill out our online enquiry form.

Our experienced team of lawyers will be able to offer advice and guide you through every step of the claims process and our in-house rehabilitation coordinators can help to support you through your recovery.