Real Life Stories

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.

Man and woman sitting together, heads touching and smiling to camera
Real story

Kevin & Sandra

19 April 2023

Kevin shares the story of his mum, Sandra, who passed away only three weeks after her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He talks about their incredibly emotional journey and how he found comfort and solace.

Mum and daughter with arms around each other standing in front of a Christmas tree
Real story

Amy & Cathi

17 March 2023

Amy's mum, Cathi, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer aged 49. She had a Whipple's procedure but sadly the cancer had spread. She passed away aged 51. Amy talks about her mum's determination to live life to the full and reflects on how much she is missed.  

Woman holding small child in one arm and a small dog in the other. Sitting on a sofa looking to camera
Real story

Elliot & Denise

12 March 2023

Elliot's mum, Denise, passed away a few months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was 57. Elliot reflects on their journey to diagnosis and how the family supported Denise at the end of her life.

a man sitting on a sofa holding a cup of tea and a muffin with a candle in it - Phil
Real story

Alice & Phil

23 February 2023

Alice's dad, Phil, was 53 when he died four months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Alice reflects on her dad's zest for life and his determination to make the best of things.

a painting of a man and a cat
Real story

Vérène & her husband

21 February 2023

Vérène’s husband sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer in February 2021. Vérène talks about the emotional impact of the worry surrounding his loss of appetite, his extreme weight loss at the end of life, and how they coped by finding acceptance.

Two women, one young and one older, pose for a selfie
Real story

Sarah & Diane

17 February 2023

Sarah’s mum, Di, began to feel unwell six months before she sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer, which had spread to the stomach. She was 64. Sarah and her family are raising awareness of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, and she talks about her mum’s strength in the face of her diagnosis.

man and woman standing in front of the sea - clive - real life stories PCUK
Real story

Clive

31 January 2023

Clive was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after his daughter noticed he had symptoms of jaundice. He was able to have the cancer removed by a Whipple’s procedure. Clive is recovering well and shares his story to help others who are being diagnosed.

Andy standing in between his two sons, looking to camera and smiling
Real story

Andy

9 December 2022

Andy was 64 and taking part in a lung disease screening programme when a scan showed two growths on his pancreas. A year later, after surgery to remove them, he was formally diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour and a microcystic serous cystadenoma. He reflects on how lucky he was to be diagnosed early.

A woman drinking tea - Christine - Pancreatic cancer UK
Real story

Jen & Christine

9 December 2022

Christine was 73 when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She passed away a little over a month after first seeing her GP. Her daughter, Jen, shares their experience and describes how her mum lived the way she wanted to, right until the end.

Sandra dressed up whilst on a cruise
Real story

Peter & Sandra

25 November 2022

Peter’s wife, Sandra, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in 2019, and sadly passed away in June 2020, aged 73. Sandra had been showing symptoms for some time. Peter tells their story.

Dovile
Real story

Dovile

23 November 2022

Dovile talks about being diagnosed with a rare type of pancreatic tumour. She shares her experience of treatment and the challenges she faces in her road to recovery.

Georgia and her mum Mandy
Real story

Georgia & Mandy

23 November 2022

Georgia shares the story of her mum, Mandy, who passed away less than six months after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Georgia talks about the shock of both Mandy’s diagnosis and at how quickly the cancer took hold.