Ali Stunt Steps Down As CEO

As a 16-year pancreatic cancer survivor who founded PCA in 2010 from the back bedroom of my home, I am very proud to have created one of the UK’s leading pancreatic cancer charities, and the only one that specifically focuses on improving pancreatic cancer survival rates through early diagnosis.

Because the number of survivors who make it to 16 years following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is so small in the UK, there are no statistics available. After reaching the 10-year survival mark, I had already joined the 1% club. Low figures such as this put the fire in my belly to change the landscape of pancreatic cancer survival rates in the UK.

I am extremely proud of the charity’s achievements thus far. The charity has pushed ground-breaking campaigns, such as ‘Pancreas Not Penis’ and the somewhat controversial ‘I Wish I Had Another Cancer’ campaign and has won several awards.  

We were the first ever organisation in the world to develop CPD-accredited e-learning on pancreatic cancer for healthcare professionals.

PCA has succeeded in campaigning for many life-changing interventions in terms of direct referrals for CT scans for GPs, direct referrals for pharmacists, and breaking down the barriers so that the general public can better understand the symptoms and risk factors. We are also continuing to support a nursing post in Scotland and breaking down the language barrier by publishing resources in six of the most commonly spoken languages in the UK (after English).  

In 2020, I oversaw the merger of PCA with Pancreatic Cancer Scotland (PCS) to focus on improving symptom awareness, early diagnosis and patient care in Scotland and the UK. 

"And, while I’m not going far, I would like to thank you for your support of PCA over the years, and I hope that you will continue to support my amazing team going forward."

I have devoted the last 16 years of my life fighting to improve survival rates for pancreatic cancer, which has just a 7.9% five-year survival rate in the UK, and I am very proud to be considered an expert thought leader by doctors, scientists, and politicians in the UK and abroad. 

Whilst I am stepping down as CEO, I will continue to support PCA in a new public-facing role as Founder and ambassador for its mission and vision.  

It has been a huge decision to step down from the position of CEO, but I know that by freeing up my time, it means that I will be able to more effectively advocate for all those affected by pancreatic cancer and fight to improve early diagnosis of the disease.  

And, while I’m not going far, I would like to thank you for your support of PCA over the years, and I hope that you will continue to support my amazing team going forward.

I know you will be keen to know who will be replacing me as CEO and we will announce that news very soon.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support. 

Best wishes, 

Ali