World Cancer Day 2021

On 4th February, charities, individuals and organisations across the globe come together for World Cancer Day  – a day uniting people, communities and entire countries. We take action.

Guts UK is a proud founding charity member of the Less Survivable Taskforce (LSCT). The LSCT was set up by a group of charities all aiming to double survival rates of the 6 less survivable cancers by 2029. These are stomach, oesophageal, pancreatic, liver, brain & lung cancer.

The less survivable cancers have been neglected and underfunded for decades. Shockingly, the average five-year survival rate for these cancers is just 16%.

Our latest research as the LSCT shows that symptom awareness of the deadliest cancers is frighteningly low. Just 10% of people could identify stomach cancer symptoms, 11% for oesophageal cancer, 5% for liver cancer and 4% for pancreatic.

Malcolm’s Story

Malcolm was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2017 and passed away in 2018. Gemma, his daughter says:

“Mum noticed dad was eating less and had lost weight. Once dad was diagnosed, we tried to remain hopeful but looking at the statistics, we knew we wouldn’t have long. My dad loved spending time with his grandchildren, even when he wasn’t well. I just want to do everything I can to support others in this situation, which is why I chose to fundraise for Guts UK”.

• Read Malcolm’s full story here.
• Discover Guts UK’s ‘breath-test’ oesophageal cancer research here.

Tony’s Story

Tony was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He was 63, a fit, healthy daily dog walker. His wife Gill says:

“Tony died in December 2019, surrounded by people who loved and adored him. I want Tony’s story to be his legacy. I can only hope with robust research from charities like Guts UK, the UK can develop a robust screening programme for digestive cancers.”

• Read Tony’s full story here.
• Discover Guts UK’s stomach cancer research here.