Look out for vital signs of pancreatic cancer
Dear Editor World Pancreatic Cancer Day took place on November 18.
I have previously written to highlight the importance of learning the symptoms of this devastating disease.
Worryingly, our new survey tells us that nearly a third of people in the UK would wait three months or more to seek help from their GP if they had potential symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
That’s at least three times longer than recommended.
The findings also show that the coronavirus pandemic is actively deterring people from contacting their doctor, with 31 per cent saying they would delay seeking help for longer than usual.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms – which can include tummy and back pain, indigestion, unexplained weight loss and oily floating poo – are common to less serious health conditions and, tragically many people are diagnosed too late for lifesaving treatment.
In Scotland nearly 1000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year.
I would urge anyone who experiences some, or all, of these symptoms persistently for more than four weeks to contact their GP.
Early diagnosis is vital to give people the very best chance of survival.
Pancreatic Cancer UK has made a short video explaining the symptoms we all need to look out for.
It could help someone be diagnosed in time for lifesaving treatment.
Our specialist nurses are here to provide support and information to anyone affected by pancreatic cancer on our confidential support line.
For more information and support, call 0808 801 0707.
D ianne Dobson, specialist nurse, Pancreatic Cancer UK
Crieff Poppy total Dear Editor I would like to thank the shops and collectors for this year’s Poppyscotland Appeal.
In total, the sum of £2599 was raised.
M Sutherland,Royal British Legion Scotland, Crieff
‘Let’s get fracking’
Dear Editor
A press release from Net Zero Watch has revealed that the cost of balancing the electricity grid had rocketed to a new daily record of £63 million on November 24.
That is for only one day and was solely because wind farms could deliver 20 per cent of their theoretical capacity.
Drax 5 coal power plant was paid up to £4000/MWh to switch on. The annual cost of the Balancing Mechanism has increased five-fold in just three years, reaching £1.8 billion in 2020 and likely to exceed that in 2021.
These costs are all added to domestic and business electricity bills.
No wonder there is growing fuel poverty.
Let’s get fracking, which will provide energy security and lower gas and electricity bills.
Clark Cross, by email