THIS year 8,080 people in England will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Many of your readers will have a loved one with the disease, or will have been diagnosed themselves.
As a specialist nurse at Pancreatic Cancer UK, I understand the impact this devastating disease can have on a patient, but also on the people close to them.
My colleagues and I often hear that families and friends may feel helpless, isolated or uninformed about how to support their loved one and are unsure about where to turn.
That’s why for Carers Week, which runs until Sunday (June 18), I want to urge anyone affected by the disease to download or order our Caring for Someone with Pancreatic Cancer booklet. It explains what the disease is, how to manage symptoms and side effects and how to navigate the healthcare system, and includes details of support for carers too.
If people have questions, concerns or want further information, they can speak to myself or one of my colleagues on our free, confidential support line on 0808 801 0707.
For more information, visit pancreaticcancer.org.uk.
DIANNE DOBSON Nurse Specialist, Pancreatic Cancer UK
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