Kirsty’s story for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Guts UK has been a steadfast supporter of research on pancreatic diseases and an advocate for people affected by them. Pancreatic cancer has one of the worse survival rates of all cancer types. Increased awareness of symptoms and risk factors associated with the disease will be essential to improve survival rates.
Chronic pancreatitis increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Guts UK has supported research on pancreatitis for years and we want to raise awareness of the condition and its link with pancreatic cancer. We fund the only Fellowship on pancreatic inflammation or injury in the UK (the Guts UK-Amelie Waring Fellowship).
There is currently no specific treatment for pancreatitis. Repeat attacks can damage the pancreas, and nearby organs if the inflammation spreads. Patients can be in excruciating pain and the disease can have a huge impact in their lives.
The pancreas and gallbladder
We need new drugs that specifically target pancreatitis; progress is being made but we need to speed things up. We also need a better understanding of how pancreatitis develops. Gallstones and alcohol abuse are the most common causes but many cases of pancreatitis are caused by other factors (trauma, viral infections, side effects of medications, genetics) and sometimes the cause is never identified.
Importantly, we need to ensure that pancreatitis is diagnosed quickly and accurately by health professionals when they come across it. This will help those affected receive the support they need.
Read Kirsty’s story to learn about the difficulties faced by people with chronic pancreatitis.
If you love the idea of fundraising for Guts UK but don’t quite know where to start, our small change makes a big difference campaign could be the inspiration you’re looking for. This simple fundraiser...
On Sunday 29th June, our phenomenal #GUTSelfie campaign took place for the fifth year. You took to Instagram to help us raise awareness of digestive symptoms and conditions and make vital noise for our guts....
did you know your guts are 25ft long?! sign up for more fascinating facts, the latest research developments and how you can support further, including fundraising activities and more:
Footer - Newsletter Signup
DID YOU KNOW YOUR GUTS ARE 25FT LONG?! SIGN UP FOR MORE FASCINATING FACTS, THE LATEST RESEARCH DEVELOPMENTS AND HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT FURTHER, INCLUDING FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES AND MORE:
By submitting this form, you are consenting to Guts UK contacting you by email as detailed above. To make any changes to your preferences you can email us on info@gutscharity.org.uk or by calling us on 020 7486 0341. Your details are safe with us. Please read our Privacy Policy for more details.