A fond farewell from Joe Kirwin as he steps down as Chief Executive

During the past four years I have been blessed to meet so many inspirational people who commit so much time, energy and effort into campaigning to improve the survival rates of pancreatic cancer. Whether they be patients, family members, survivors, friends, or healthcare professionals, all have played a part in the positive steps we have taken towards fighting the world’s deadliest cancer.

My journey began during the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, a time when countless patients faced delayed treatments and a lack of access to medical care. Yet, even in those challenging times, our team never wavered in our commitment to patients and their families. From day one, I’ve been inspired by the dedication of my colleagues, who work tirelessly to improve early diagnosis and save lives. That drive and determination remains stronger than ever.

Throughout my time at Pancreatic Cancer Action, we have achieved some significant milestones together:

• We successfully advocated for changes to NICE Guidelines, ensuring that individuals aged 60 and above with weight loss and new-onset diabetes are automatically referred for a CT scan.
• GPs across England now have the ability to make direct referrals for CT scans.
• Exciting trials are underway to allow pharmacists to make direct urgent cancer referrals to secondary care.
• We funded groundbreaking research into the connection between diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
• We conducted a full audit of the pancreatic cancer patient journey through NHS England.
• We contributed to the developments of the Scottish Government Cancer Strategy and Action Plan, and update of the Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer.
• We developed new patient resources for those with genetic mutations and for patients whose first language is not English.
• We issued a new case finding protocol that will identify patients more quickly and accelerate diagnosis for those with new-onset diabetes and weight loss.

These are just a few of the many accomplishments that we can all be proud of. As I step away to take up a new role in the third-sector, I know that the dedicated team at Pancreatic Cancer Action will continue their vital work every day.

Our Head of Finance and Development, Fiona Brown, will be stepping up to the position of Interim Chief Executive whilst a permanent Chief Executive is recruited. Fiona has been with the charity for eight years and comes with a fountain of knowledge from her experience of working with the pancreatic cancer community locally, nationally and globally.  She has an overwhelming passion for the cause, stemming from personal loss to pancreatic cancer and is honoured to be leading Pancreatic Cancer Action through this transition period.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Pancreatic Cancer Action. I look forward to cheering you all on as you continue to fight to improve early diagnosis and campaign to save lives.