Real life stories section

In this section you will find real life stories from people affected by pancreatic cancer.

These stories provide examples of how people are diagnosed, the treatment they have, their experiences and how they take care of themselves.

Everyone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will be different in terms of how they received their diagnosis and how they respond to and cope with treatment.

Please be aware that these stories are not necessarily typical of most people with pancreatic cancer in terms of age, types of pancreatic cancer or treatment. We hope they will provide some inspiration and hope, and that the experiences shared are helpful to you. The stories are not recommendations about treatment or care. Talk to your medical team about your treatment options.

The stories in these pages contain the views and opinions of the people who have written them, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Stories about inoperable pancreatic cancer

Read about how people have dealt with inoperable pancreatic cancer where surgery wasn’t an option.

Inoperable pancreatic cancer stories
Older man sat on a park bench with a female

Stories about operable pancreatic cancer

These stories are from people who could have surgery to remove their cancer.

Operable pancreatic cancer stories
Karen Stead

Stories from families

Stories from families, friends and carers.

Carer stories
2 women and a man sat in the garden, having tea and cake

Stories about rarer types of pancreatic cancer

Stories from people with rarer types of pancreatic cancer, such as neuroendocrine tumours.

Rarer forms of pancreatic cancer stories
Woman out walking her dog, a golden Labrador

In memory stories

Sadly, some people who have provided their stories do pass away. Many of these people lived for many months or years after their diagnosis and had a variety of treatments. Their stories can still provide inspiration.

In memory stories
Man and lady sat in the garden at a table