CHARITY’S VISION TO MAKE A DECADE OF CHANGE
TODAY is World Pancreatic Cancer Day a global movement driven by the need to raise awareness of the symptoms and risks of the world’s toughest cancer, and the urgency for earlier diagnosis to improve patient outcomes.
In nearly every country, pancreatic cancer is the only major cancer with a singledigit, five-year, survival rate (two to nine per cent).
Despite having shockingly low survival rates, it is possible to survive pancreatic cancer Julie McBride, from Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, has just celebrated her 10th year of survival.
At just 35, Julie was diagnosed with a tumour in her bile duct. She received the news on a Friday, went into hospital on Monday and the following day had a procedure called a Whipple operation.
Julie said: “Within two days, I was in hospital and on that table getting operated – there was no mucking about.” Research shows that patients diagnosed in time for surgery are more likely to live five years and beyond.
“I know how lucky I am. My uncle died of pancreatic cancer, it was too late for him to have the Whipple operation. Finding out early can be the difference between life and death.”
There is currently no standard screening test or early detection method for pancreatic cancer, though research is being conducted in these areas.
Knowing the symptoms and risks is key to early diagnosis and could provide a better chance of survival.
Fiona Brown, development manager, of Pancreatic Cancer Scotland (PCS) explains: “Pancreatic cancer doesn’t present in an obvious way, it’s not possible to feel a lump like other cancers and the symptoms can be vague.”
Julie and husband Andrew had been on their honeymoon in Paris and, on returning, Julie had developed an itch, before becoming jaundiced.
Further tests and scans identified a tumour in her bile duct, and she underwent extensive surgery.
The couple got some surprising good news 18 months after Julie’s operation when she discovered she was pregnant with Lily.
“I never thought I’d be a parent,” said Julie.
“Ten years ago, when I was lying on that operating theatre, terrified, I didn’t even know if I’d still be here. She’s made our wee family complete. I want to be here, see her grow up and to do all
I’m very blessed but, in 10 years’ time, when Lily is grown up, I want more survivors
the things she wants to do in life.” Julie’s recovery has been a challenge, with a further six operations to fix some ongoing issues.
Originally from Northern Ireland, a network of support has been an important factor for Julie, and she’s gathered a team of family and friends doing all they can to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer during the last 10 years.
Julie said: “My parents and whole family have been such a support, and I couldn’t have coped without Andrew. He’s had to shoulder a lot.”
At her parent’s recent 50th wedding anniversary, nearly £700 was raised for PCS.The charity is committed to raising awareness and improving education, healthcare, research and support for patients and families touched by pancreatic cancer and associated tumours.
Julie recalls being at the charity’s launch in 2010 when it was formed by a group of patients, carers, nurses and doctors in Scotland to share hope, knowledge and action in the battle against the cancer.
As the charity approaches its 10th anniversary, Julie is supporting its new vision for the 2020s to be the decade of change for pancreatic cancer to address barely any improvement in survival rates in the last 50 years.
She said: “I struggle when I wonder, ‘Why am I still here when others aren’t?’ I feel very blessed but, in 10 years’ time, when Lily is grown up, I want more survivors like me.”
Today, on World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Julie is holding an information stall at her local Co-op store in Balloch. She’s also arranged for the Titan Crane in Clydebank and Lomond Galleries in Alexandria to be lit purple – the colour associated with pancreatic cancer across the globe.
MUM JULIE MCBRIDE
To find out how you can help raise awareness or funding for pancreatic cancer, visit: www.pancanscot.org