Seven in 10 Brits don’t know symptoms of cancer that kills HALF of patients within three months
Seven in 10 adults have no idea what the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are.
A change in bowel habits, tiredness, and loss of appetite are among the most common signs, but they often go unnoticed or undiagnosed until it is too late.
The study, of 2,000 adults, found 27 per cent might put off going to see a doctor, even if they had a potentially serious symptom, because they think it would be difficult to get an appointment.
While 19 per cent would ‘worry about wasting the doctor’s time’, and 26 per cent just assume the issue would get better.
Cancer of the pancreas — an organ located behind your stomach that plays a key role in digestion — claimed the lives of actors Alan Rickman and Patrick Swayze as well as singer Aretha Franklin.
The research was commissioned by Pancreatic Cancer UK, the Charity of the Year for the 2025 TCS London Marathon.
The charity is asking people to sign its open letter calling on the government to fund vital research.
It aims to raise £2 million to develop the first-ever early detection test for the disease, a breakthrough that could save thousands of lives.
Diana Jupp, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “It is so important to notice and keep track of unexplained symptoms you experience, especially if they are persistent.
“It’s all too easy to dismiss small changes in our health as nothing to worry about, but when it comes to pancreatic cancer, early detection is absolutely vital.
“It gives people the very best chance of being able to have lifesaving treatment.”
The survey found 35 per cent feel optimistic about ongoing advancements in science that can increase chances of treatment and survival.
It comes as the charity revealed a striking display of 797 trainers in the shadow of Tower Bridge, the iconic halfway point of the marathon route, representing the number of people who tragically die from the disease every month across the UK.
The shoes will be donated to Jog On, an organisation dedicated to keeping shoes out of landfills by either distributing them to those in need or ensuring their sustainable disposal.
Tony Audenshaw, who plays Bob Hope in Emmerdale and sadly lost his wife to pancreatic cancer, spoke at the unveiling: “I’m honoured to unveil this powerful installation highlighting the impact of pancreatic cancer and our hope for saving thousands of people’s lives.
“My wife Ruth was a keen runner herself, and I’ll be running the marathon next weekend in her memory.
“Her story is one of hundreds represented here.”
Respondents to the survey guessed that 359 people die each month in the UK from pancreatic cancer – but the real figure is double that, at 797.
On average, they believe people diagnosed with the disease fight on for just over two years, when the reality is more than half of people die within just three months.
While 43 per cent know the survival rate is lower than other cancers, 10 per cent believe it to be higher, which isn’t the case.
A third feel research and support is not sufficiently funded compared to other cancers, with only 13 per cent being aware of any public campaigns about it, according to the OnePoll.com data.
Diana Jupp, from Pancreatic Cancer UK, added: “The symptoms can be vague -things like unexplained weight loss, persistent indigestion, or a slight change in bowel habits – but if they continue for several weeks they could be a warning sign of something serious.
“That’s why we urge people to trust their instincts and speak to a doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
“There’s no time to wait with pancreatic cancer, catching it early could save your life.”
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
PANCREATIC cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages.
As the cancer grows and you do begin to show signs, these may come and go and be unspecific, making it hard to diagnose, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Common symptoms include:
- Indigestion – a painful, burning feeling in your chest with an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Tummy or back pain – it may start as general discomfort or tenderness in the tummy area and spread to the back, which get worse lying down and feel better is you sit forward
- Diarrhoea and constipation – see a GP if you have runny poos for more than seven days, especially if you’ve lost weight as well
- Steatorrhoea – pale, oily poo that’s bulky, smells horrible and floats, making it hard to flush
- Losing a lot of weight without meaning to
- Jaundice – yellow skin and eyes, as well as dark pee, pale poo and itchy skin