Being told that a family member has pancreatic cancer can be a huge shock. Our specialist nurses on our Support Line speak to lots of families. They are specialists in pancreatic cancer, and can talk and listen for as long as your family need.
What to expect: What information and support is there for families?
Your family should be given information about the emotional and practical support that is available to them. They can ask your medical team or their GP about this.
What’s in the What to expect from your care section?
- What to expect from your care if you have pancreatic cancer
- What to expect: Who should manage your care?
- What to expect: Understanding your diagnosis and treatment options
- What to expect: Care if your cancer can’t be cured
- What to expect: How will symptoms and side effects be managed?
- What to expect: Practical and emotional support
- What to expect: What information and support is there for families?
- What to expect: Support if you have concerns about your care
Involving those close to you in your care
Your family and friends can be involved in your care, but only if you want them to be. If you wish, you can give your medical team permission to speak to those close to you about your care.
Support for families
Your family should be given information about the emotional and practical support that is available to them. They can ask your medical team or their GP about this.
If you or your family are worried about family history of pancreatic cancer, your medical team can discuss this with you. This isn’t common, but sometimes pancreatic cancer can run in families.
Your family may also be able to get financial support, if looking after you means they can’t work or can only work part-time. Macmillan Cancer Support and Citizens Advice also provide expert help with managing finances.
“The support I get from the nurses on the Support Line is incredible! My nephew was able to contact them with questions too. They were just fantastic.”
Updated August 2024
Review date August 2026