Manchester man spared by deadly killer

MANCHESTER, UK. Tuesday 25 November 2025 – There is a deadly killer at large in the UK, claiming 26 lives every single day. For Martin Graham, that killer came for him at just 42 years old but he refused to give in.

Martin, now 53, from Manchester, is one of the faces of Pancreatic Cancer Action’s #DeadlyKiller campaign, launched this November for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, to expose the devastating reality of the deadliest of common cancers and the hope that early diagnosis can bring.

His story began in 2014 with vague symptoms many would ignore – bowel changes, upper back pain, and blood in the toilet. Doctors first diagnosed ulcerative colitis, but when jaundice set in, scans revealed a 5 cm tumour on his pancreas. “I remember being told it was inoperable,” says Martin. “They said the tumour was wrapped around my portal vein. It was the hardest thing to hear.”

Refusing to accept that prognosis, Martin changed his diet, began walking daily, and endured months of intensive chemotherapy at The Christie Hospital. Against the odds, his scans began to improve. Then came the words that changed everything.

“My surgeon said, ‘Now we have a chance of a complete cure,’” Martin recalls. “It was the first time anyone had used the word hope since my diagnosis.”

In April 2015, he underwent a gruelling 11-hour Whipple procedure with portal vein resection at Manchester Royal Infirmary. Months later, he was back climbing Kinder Scout, determined to live life on his own terms.

“All my scans since have been clear,” says Martin. “If there’s one thing I want people to take from my story, it’s to have hope. Don’t ever give up.”

Pancreatic cancer is often called the “silent” or “deadly killer” because its vague symptoms are easy to dismiss. In the UK sadly, 50% of people diagnosed with this deadly disease will die within 3 months, and a shocking 93% will die within 5 years. Despite being the deadliest common cancer, it receives just 3.1% of UK cancer research funding.

“Martin’s story shows the power of awareness and persistence,” says Anthony Cummings, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action. “He’s living proof that early diagnosis can save lives, and that’s exactly what our #DeadlyKiller campaign is fighting for.”

The #DeadlyKiller campaign urges everyone to recognise the signs and support life-saving research and education.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent indigestion or heartburn

• Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper abdomen or back

• Unexplained weight loss

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Changes in bowel habits

• New-onset diabetes