Pancreatic Cancer UK

Gale supports Pancreatic Cancer UK ahead of pancreatic cancer awareness month

November 6th 2015

North Thanet`s MP Sir Roger Gale has attended a cross-party event at the House of Commons, organised by Pancreatic Cancer UK, to help spread the word about pancreatic cancer ahead of pancreatic cancer awareness month.

There were nearly 8,800 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed across the UK in 2013, 1361 of whom live in the South East.

Tragically, only four per cent of patients live for five years or more after diagnosis.

In addition to learning about these dreadful survival rates Sir Roger heard about the need for earlier diagnosis, more research funding and better access to new treatments for the disease, as well as the work being done by Pancreatic Cancer UK to fund its own research and provide support for patients and their families around the country.

Sir Roger was joined by patients and family members of those affected by pancreatic cancer, as well as specialist nurses and representatives from Pancreatic Cancer UK. MPs were told about the many local supporters taking part in Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Purple Lights for Hope events on November 1st. Some have arranged for prominent local landmarks to be lit up purple, and others will be hosting smaller events at home or in their local communities. Roger showed his support for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November by being photographed with the charity’s Purple Lights for Hope sign.

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of all cancer deaths in the UK and currently has the lowest survival rate of all the 21 common cancers. One person dies every hour of the disease, and it is predicted that by 2030 pancreatic cancer will overtake breast cancer as the fourth most common cancer killer.

Sir Roger said: “It was a pleasure to attend this event organised by Pancreatic Cancer UK, to learn more about the work of the charity and the support and research it funds. Sadly, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer speaks for itself. I know there are many people within my constituency who have been touched by pancreatic cancer and we need to do more to improve awareness of the disease, its signs and symptoms, and do more to radically improve the shockingly low survival rates. That’s why I’m supporting the charity and its Purple Lights for Hope campaign as part of pancreatic cancer awareness month this November and I am particularly delighted that Herne Bay Clocktower will be turning purple for the event.”

Alex Ford, Chief Executive of Pancreatic Cancer UK said: “We were delighted to welcome Roger to this important event and we thank him for his support. We hope he/she will help us spread the word about pancreatic cancer far and wide this November.

“It’s shocking that the number of people living for five years after diagnosis with pancreatic cancer is still just four per cent, and that figure has barely improved in the last 40 years. Yet across the UK, we know so little about the disease. We all have a role to play in raising awareness of this dreadful cancer, so people know the signs and symptoms to watch out for. I would urge local people to find out more about the disease today.”

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer include tummy pain, weight loss, yellow skin or eyes or itchy skin and oily floating poo.

For more information about pancreatic cancer, visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk