TINA Hardy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the summer and has undergone successful treatment. To mark Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month she tells of the importance of spotting the symptoms early and staying positive. Kate Liptrot reports.

TINA Hardy initially put off going to the doctor when she began to suffer from health problems.

As her husband Andy was seriously ill with cancer, the 61-year-old was going through a very upsetting time in her life, but her husband knew his wife wasn't well and asked a friend to make sure she went to the doctors.

When Tina went to her GP some four weeks after first feeling unwell she was rapidly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and within days had undergone lifesaving surgery.

"My diagnosis came out of the blue," Tina, of Jute Road in Acomb said, "Looking back I had symptoms such as digestive problems and diarrhoea but I was going through a very stressful time so put it down to that.

"I had no pain or lethargy so it was only when I developed jaundice that I went to my GP.

"Within days I was in hospital and had my operation."

Tina's operation at York Hospital in July removed the head and neck of the tumour as well as her gall bladder and lymph nodes and she has recently started a six month course of chemotherapy.

Tina, a ward housekeeper at the hospital, said it's crucial people spot the signs of pancreatic cancer - which can include pain in the back or stomach area, unexpected weight loss and jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

"It's imperative you go to the doctor with whatever symptoms you have. Listen to your body," Tina said, "It's a cancer that years ago people would have seen as a death sentence - and it was. I want to put across to people that it's not a death sentence if you listen to your body and get to the doctors. Don't leave it too late.

“After my surgery I made sure that I stayed as active and healthy as possible which is an important part of recovery. I have had the support of a specialist nurse throughout which is a great relief, you can discuss the slightest problem with a professional and they help you to get on with your life."

Pancreatic cancer is the eleventh most common cancer and often affects older people. Around 8,800 people are diagnosed with the disease every year and it is one of the most difficult to treat.

It has one of the lowest survival rates of any cancer; a little known fact and something that has barely changed in more than 40 years.

However, patients who are diagnosed in time for surgery have a more than 30 per cent chance of surviving beyond five years after diagnosis.

Tina has a good prognosis as her treatment has been a success and she said her experience, and that of losing her husband so early, have made her determined to make the most of every day.

"Being positive and getting out there is the most important thing," Tina, a grandmother-of-seven said, "I don't like to make plans for tomorrow. I live for the day.

"All the plans we made never came to fruition. I see things in a different light and while I have always valued people and friends I value people even more now.

"From now on I intend to live life to the full and not take anything for granted."

Tina has spoken ahead of the first ever World Pancreatic Cancer Day, due to be held this Thursday. It's aim is to bring about a much needed change in awareness levels about the disease and a focus on the need for urgent change.

At York Hospital an information stand has been set up in the foyer and the roof of the hospital is being lit in purple throughout the month to raise awareness of the campaign.

Eden Galang, lead upper gastro intestinal Macmillan nurse specialist at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Many people do not know where the pancreas is and what it does. They are not aware of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer and when symptoms present themselves it is often late stage.

“Late diagnosis of the disease has an effect on survival rates so raising awareness of the disease and its symptoms is absolutely vital to drive earlier diagnosis and ultimately increase a patient’s chance of survival. Awareness, along with research, is the key to battling the disease.”

Charles Millson, consultant gastroenterologist at York Hospital, said: “Over the last five years there have been some real advances in research, treatment and support for patients with pancreatic cancer.

"We have a specialist group of staff including radiologists, oncologists, physicians and surgeons who are focussed on providing the best care for each individual patient. Increasing awareness means that we are looking at earlier diagnosis which means a better outcome for the patient.”


Fact file

Cancer of the pancreas is more common in older people, with about half of all new cases diagnosed in people who are aged 75 or over. It's uncommon in people under 40 years of age.

Pancreatic cancer affects men and women equally.

The pancreas is a large gland that's part of the digestive system. It's about 15cm long, and is located high in the abdomen, behind the stomach, where the ribs meet at the bottom of the breastbone.

The pancreas produces: digestive enzymes which break down food so it can be absorbed into the body and hormones, including insulin, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable.

It's not fully understood what causes pancreatic cancer, but risk factors for developing the condition have been identified including age - it mainly affects people who are 50-80 years of age, smoking and having a history of other health conditions such as diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, stomach ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection.