Sources of support

Pancreatic Cancer Action
Patient Information Booklets

What is Pancreatic cancer and how is it diagnosed?

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.

Support and discussion networks

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).

Area specific support groups

Shine Cancer Support: Support group for aged below 40

Support in Lancashire: Cancer advocacy for the over 50s.

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.

Financial Support

Macmillan offers financial support for cancer patients

gov.uk provides information on benefit rules and changes for people suffering with cancer

Bereavement support

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.

Sources and references for this information product will be supplied on request. Please contact us quoting the Information Product number below:

Information Product № Published 15/10/2019
Last Updated 02/07/2024 Next Review Due 27/06/2027