Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer in Northern Ireland. Right now, 80% of people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer too late for life saving treatment, and half die within three months. Achieving earlier diagnosis is key to improving survival rates
The Department of Health and NIPANC are working together with Pancreatic Cancer UK to deliver an optimal care pathway in Northern Ireland for people with pancreatic cancer. However, many people are not living long enough in Northern Ireland to benefit from this.
As an MLA you can raise this issue with the Cabinet Secretary using our template letter.
You can also contact tom.steiner@pancreaticcancer.org.uk for suggestions of parliamentary questions on this topic.
Dear Minister,
I am writing to you on behalf of my constituents, who have contacted me to set out the urgent need to improve early detection of pancreatic cancer.
As I’m sure you are aware, pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer in Northern Ireland. 80% of people are diagnosed too late for potentially lifesaving treatment. Early detection is key to improving survival.
I was encouraged to learn that the Department of Health and NIPANC are working together with Pancreatic Cancer UK to deliver an optimal care pathway in Northern Ireland for people with pancreatic cancer. However, many people are not living long enough in Northern Ireland to benefit from this.
A number of my constituents are supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Unite. Diagnose. Save Lives. campaign that asks your Department to commit to three actions to change this:
- Invest in and roll-out regular monitoring for those at the highest risk of developing pancreatic cancer. This should include surveillance for people with a family history of pancreatic cancer and case-finding in people with new-onset diabetes and weight loss.
- Invest in rolling out new tests to detect pancreatic cancer earlier. Supporting the development and implementation of innovative blood, urine and breath biomarker tests will improve early detection within existing cancer services.
- Urge the UK Government to transform investment into vital pancreatic cancer research by allocating at least £35 million every year across the UK for the next 20 years. This sustained funding is essential because meaningful research breakthroughs require continuous, reliable investment over many years to support the full cycle of research: from bench to bedside.
What plans does your Department have to improve survival for pancreatic cancer and the other less survivable cancers?
Should you wish to receive any further information, Pancreatic Cancer UK would be happy to assist. Please email tom.steiner@pancreaticcancer.org.uk to set up a meeting.
I look forward to receiving your response.
Best wishes,
[MLA NAME]