Cancer continues to have a profound impact on the world. On average, 10 million people die from cancer every year worldwide. The complications and challenges against cancer are felt globally; however, one essential aspect that is given less attention is research. Scientific improvements in cancer research allow for new and improved treatment options, improved outcomes for patients and their families and ultimately provides hope. World Cancer Research Day, established as the 24^th of September, was initiated in 2016 to unite and recognise global efforts in the fight against cancer.

Collaboration is key to making research a success. The theme for this years World Cancer Research Day is “Cancer research needs us all”. Collaboration exists in multiple ways. At Pancreatic Cancer Action, we have a proud history of collaborative research.

Clinical Nurse Specialist within the West of Scotland Cancer Network

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.

NHS England Case-finding Protocol

The initial research project was produced in partnership with a University of Surrey research team led by Dr Agnieszka Lemanska. The aims of the study were to confirm the link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer and to examine the differences in diabetes management and primary care presentation between patients who go on to develop pancreatic cancer and those who do not.

This research established associations between weight loss, new onset diabetes and pancreatic cancer, and found that these relationships can be seen 2 and 3 years prior to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, respectively. This is a major breakthrough in establishing risk factors to aid earlier diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

As a result of the initial research that was published in 2022, NHS England have invested almost £2 million into this new pilot 3-year pilot. Over 300 GP practices in England will search for patient records who are at risk of developing pancreatic cancer. These patients will present with a BMI of less than 30, who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes and are over 60 years old. Patients who are identified will then be referred for further testing for pancreatic cancer. By being diagnosed earlier than currently achieved, patient outcomes are much better, with a greater chance of survival.

Collaborative research exists in multiple ways. Another form is by introducing Patient and Public Involvement. Pancreatic Cancer Action are charity partners of the National Pancreatic Cancer Audit, and historically we have provided PPI support to the audit.

Additionally, we continue to advertise current research opportunities on our website on behalf of other organisations, which can be found here: Our research

Funding and supportive innovative research is a huge part of what we do at Pancreatic Cancer Action. We know the difference that it does and can make to improving survival rates of pancreatic cancer. However, we couldn’t do it without your support. To help us progress research into pancreatic cancer, please give generously.