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Pancreatic cancer is the fifth biggest cancer killer in the UK, with only 7.9% of patients surviving 5 years. However, in patients with operable pancreatic cancer, this 5-year survival rate increases from 7.9% to 29%.
Currently, operable pancreatic cancer is only available for those diagnosed in the early stages of the disease, where the cancer has not yet spread beyond the pancreas. Currently, only 10-20% of patients are diagnosed in time for life-saving surgery, otherwise, there is no cure. Despite these clear and present challenges, the combined UK Government and voluntary sector investment into pancreatic cancer research is only 6.13% of the total cancer research funding.
Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to funding research projects to aid early diagnosis and improve these statistics.
The following research projects set out how we will put our words into action and help make our vision a reality. They demonstrate how we will both fund and support innovative research, to improve early diagnosis and develop effective treatments to improve pancreatic cancer outcomes.
Research we currently fund includes:
Since August 2018, Pancreatic Cancer Scotland and now Pancreatic Cancer Action has been fully funding an innovative new role; a Clinical Nurse Specialist within the West of Scotland Cancer Network. The role provides additional resources, helping support patients and families understanding of clinical trials and has contributed to enhanced participation and recruitment of patients to clinical trials, including the Precision-Panc study. The success of this role demonstrates how a collaborative approach with the third sector, healthcare professionals and research programmes can make a real difference. Recruitment to clinical trials for pancreatic cancer has been an ongoing struggle due to the poor survival rate. A clinical nurse specialist is a key tool to improve both patient care and support research opportunities.
We have exciting plans to continue funding research, but we need your help!