Patient stories
Read powerful personal stories from people affected by pancreatic cancer, including patients and loved ones, sharing their symptoms, routes to diagnosis, and experiences. Discover how early diagnosis and support made a difference in their journeys.
David Fullard's story
David Fullard shares both his own, and his daughter's experiences with pancreatic cancer.
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Dan's story of success
Dan Godley is back to share his first cancer-free milestone with you all.
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Graham's story
Graham describes how he went from being a fit and healthy man living with IBS, to being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and undergoing life changing surgery.
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Karin's story
Karin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer age 30, and less than two weeks after giving birth to her son Jethro. She tells her story, in her own words.
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Lizz's story
Lizz was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer years after experiencing initial symptoms, including bloating and unusual smelling urine. Now thankfully in recovery, she has turned her attention to raising funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer.
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Briony's story
Briony was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer when she was just 26 years old after she had been experiencing symptoms for as long as 5 years before.
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Jan's story
Facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Jan shares her deeply personal decision-making process about undergoing major surgery, shaped by past medical trauma.
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Sue Nicholls' story
Sue Nicholls’ daughter Sarah died of pancreatic cancer in February 2024 at the age of 49. Sue reflects on Sarah’s symptoms and how they were missed by doctors, as well as finding strength through fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer Action.
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Caroline's story
Caroline describes being diagnosed with having a rare neuroendocrine tumour on her pancreas, and her life after receiving surgery to remove it.
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Theresa's story
After years of overlooked symptoms, Theresa Upton was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Theresa shares her story in the hope it helps others.
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Michael Parry's story
Michael Parry recently received the all-clear one year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He tells us about his experience over the past year, the significant role his GP played in his prognosis, and the importance of never losing hope.
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Nikki's story
Nikki tells her story of being treated for chronic pancreatitis, before later being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
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Mildred's story
One of our supporters, who has asked that we respect their privacy, has shared with us her mother Mildred's experiences with pancreatic cancer.
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Anthony Roberts' story
Anthony was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2016 after experiencing indigestion and heartburn and shares his story with us.
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Monica's story
Kate Siegel tells the story, in her own words, of the journey that led to her mum’s death from pancreatic cancer in October 2015, aged 69
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Dan Godley's story
In a normal year, marathon runner Dan Godley may have taken part in our Jog Jan for Pan Can campaign. Instead, the 28-year-old is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. Read more of his story.
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Tracey Woollven's story
In the year that would have been her mother’s 60th birthday, Hannah Woollven reflects on her best friend, confidant, her soulmate, her mum, Tracey Woollven.
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Áine Wood's story
Áine Wood, a 51-year-old mother of three from Essex shares her diagnosis journey.
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Peter McGovern's story
Peter McGovern was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023 and had successful Whipple surgery. His daughter Danielle shares his story.
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David Fitzpatrick's story
David Fitzpatrick suffered a double family loss when his mother and brother died within 15 months of each other from pancreatic cancer.
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Poppy Bruford's story
Poppy’s story of love, loss, and leaping for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. She shares how her dad and her husband, Rob Roots, both lost their lives to pancreatic cancer, and why she's determined to make a difference.
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Martin Graham's Story
When Martin Graham, then 42, was told he had pancreatic cancer, he thought it was a death sentence. Over a decade later, he’s living proof that early detection and determination can save lives.
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Denise Gradus' Story
Denise Gradus shares her dad Tony's story. A loving husband, dad and grandfather taken too soon by pancreatic cancer. Tony’s story is one of deep love, resilience, and the devastating speed with which pancreatic cancer can change everything.
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Chris Smith's story
Chris has beaten four different types of cancer in the last six years. Her story is one of sheer determination to survive. It was her most recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, that hit the hardest. Known as one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose early and with one of the least successful outcomes. Chris’s story highlights the importance of awareness, persistence, and hope.
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Gwen Booth's Story
Pancreatic Cancer Action supporter Kelly, has kindly shared her mum, Gwen Booth's, story of diagnosis from her own perspective, as she recalls the signs and symptoms Gwen encountered prior to diagnosis.
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Bea Walton's story
Nicola Smith reflects on her mother, Bea Walton, and her experience with pancreatic cancer on what is the 5-year anniversary of her passing.
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Dennis Haighton's story
Abbie Thompson shares what happened to her granddad Dennis Haighton in the hope that it helps others recognise the signs of pancreatic cancer and pushes for earlier diagnosis.
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Kirsty O'Shea Johnston’s Story on Losing Her Mum Betty
When Kirsty O’Shea-Johnston’s mum, Betty, started losing her appetite and complaining of back pain, pancreatic cancer was the last thing anyone suspected.
Read moreCatherine Jenkins' Story
When Catherine Jenkins from Surrey started losing weight in the summer of 2018, she didn’t think it was anything to worry about. She had always been an active, outdoorsy person, juggling family life and supporting her seriously ill sister in hospital. Life was full, busy and emotional, so when the weight dropped off, she assumed it was stress.
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Andy Rushton's Story
Fit and healthy 58-year-old Andy Rushton rarely needed to see a doctor. Then a small stitch-like pain changed everything, setting off a chain of events he never expected. Andy shares the story of his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
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Sue Applegarth's Story
In January 2023, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas. This rare and slow growing form of pancreatic cancer affects only a small percentage of pancreatic cancer patients. Looking back, I realise my journey began well before then, with some subtle signs – the odd digestive issue, occasional (but to me explainable) back ache and tightness around my diaphragm that I had just brushed off. Sue Applegarth shares her story in her own words.
Read moreShare your story
If you've been affected by pancreatic cancer, one of the most amazing ways you can help raise awareness and provide support to others, is by sharing your pancreatic cancer stories.
Share your story with us