Jayne Baldock from Salhouse, UK, has shared the story of her mother Gina, who passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 78. Gina initially visited her GP in October 2020 after experiencing jaundice and was referred to the N&N Hospital. Although doctors suspected pancreatic cancer, tests at the time were inconclusive. Over the next six months, Gina underwent multiple tests but her diagnosis remained uncertain. Eventually, she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where she was finally informed that she likely had pancreatic cancer. However, due to her age and declining health, surgery was not an option. Gina passed away on April 23, 2021.
Jayne is now supporting the ‘Don’t Write Me Off’ campaign by Pancreatic Cancer UK, which aims to secure funding for a new, faster, and fairer diagnostic pathway. The campaign believes that this new approach could potentially extend the lives of nearly 5,000 people. Jayne expressed her regret over the lack of certainty regarding her mother’s diagnosis and wished she had more knowledge to improve Gina’s quality of life in her final months.
Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant cells develop in the tissues of the pancreas. It is known for its low survival rate, with only 10% of those diagnosed being eligible for surgery. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial in order to provide effective treatment options. Unfortunately, in Gina’s case, the tests conducted over the course of six months failed to provide a clear diagnosis, and as a result, her condition worsened, making surgery no longer viable.
The ‘Don’t Write Me Off’ campaign by Pancreatic Cancer UK is advocating for a faster and fairer diagnostic pathway to improve outcomes for patients. By securing government funding for this initiative, the campaign believes that thousands of individuals with pancreatic cancer could have a better chance at longer and healthier lives. Jayne’s support for the campaign stems from her own experience with her mother’s delayed diagnosis, which led to a decline in her health and ultimately her passing. She emphasizes the importance of having certainty in diagnosing pancreatic cancer and the impact it can have on a patient’s well-being in their final months.
