This booklet for patients and carers describes pancreatic cancer, its causes and symptoms. It gives detailed information on the diagnostic tests used and the stages of pancreatic cancer. It includes a section on what to ask your doctor, where to go for further information and a glossary to explain many of the terms used.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, there are many support services and forums that offer practical advice and information and a place to engage with others in your situation. Please see numbers and websites for general support and discussion; area specific groups; financial support and bereavement support.
Samaritans online or you can phone their 24 hour support network on: 116 123
MacMillan Cancer Support offer a support network, discussion forums and local nurses. You can also phone 0808 808 00 00
Marie Curie offer support and advice for carers. You can also phone: 0800 090 2309
Maggie’s Centres offers free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends. Help is offered freely to anyone with any type of cancer.
Older People Living With Cancer offers peer advocates supporting older people affected by cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer UK helpline call 0808 801 0707 (9am to 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, and 10am to 6pm on Wednesday).
Shine Cancer Support: Support group for aged below 40
Support in Lancashire: Cancer advocacy for the over 50s.
Support group in Lancaster meets monthly
Essex Pancreatic Cancer Awareness: Support group in Essex
Support group in Dorset: The Purbeck Workshop provides craft classes and activities for people whose lives have been touched by cancer in any way. They provide peer support and friendship in a welcoming environment.
Macmillan offers financial support for cancer patients
Gov.co.uk provides information on benefit rules and changes for people suffering with cancer
Grief Chat is a free bereavement chat service that provides emotional support for bereaved people, access to trained bereavement counsellors and referral into other specialist bereavement services.
It is a completely free service and is available Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm or by email out of these hours.
Cruse offer bereavement support across England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The Loss Foundation is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer
Winston’s Wish is the UK’s childhood bereavement charity. Offering support to children and their families after the death of a parent or sibling.
To read our blog on the effect of cancer on mental health, click here.