Pancreatic cancer resources and support organisations
There are many organisations, support groups, books, videos and other resources to help you cope with pancreatic cancer and its treatment.
Cancer Research UK information and support
Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.
Cancer Chat is our online forum where you can share experiences.
Specific pancreatic cancer organisations and sites
Pancreatic Cancer UK is committed to fighting pancreatic cancer through research, awareness, information and support and other projects of benefit to pancreatic cancer patients. It provides a resource of information about pancreatic cancer to patients, caregivers and GPs. Their website also has a discussion forum for people with pancreatic cancer and their families.
Support line: 0808 801 0707
Email contact form
The Pancreatic Society was formed in 1975 by members of the medical profession with a specific interest in the treatment of pancreatic disease. It has since expanded its membership to include nurses, dietitians and research scientists. The main aim of the Society is to promote and encourage the study of and research into diseases of the pancreas.
Pancreatic Cancer Action focuses on improving pancreatic cancer survival rates through early diagnosis. They do this by increasing public knowledge of the disease and its symptoms through awareness campaigns. They work closely with GPs, pharmacists and hospital doctors, providing free educational resources.
They also:
- fund research into early diagnosis
- campaign and influence the government for change
- provide free patient information
Phone number: 0303 040 1770
E-mail: enquiries@panact.org
The Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund is a national charity dedicated to supporting research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Telephone: 020 8360 1119
Email: info@pcrf.org.uk
Diabetes UK have information on diabetes, including symptoms and how to cope.
Phone: 0345 123 2399 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
General support organisations and sites
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the US organisation for cancer research. It has information about all types of cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical, medical and financial support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline gives guidance on cancer and advice on benefits. It also publishes booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages.
Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Contact email form
Booklets and factsheets from other organisations
- The building-up diet
- Coping with advanced cancer
- Managing cancer pain
- Understanding cancer of the pancreas
- Understanding chemotherapy
- Understanding cancer research trials (clinical trials)
- Understanding radiotherapy
- Talking to children and teenagers when an adult has cancer
- Talking about cancer
Some of these booklets are also available on CD.
Examples of booklets and factsheets by the Royal Marsden Hospital
- Chemotherapy: your questions answered
- Radiotherapy: your questions answered
- Clinical trials: your questions answered
- MRI scan
- Eating well when you have cancer
- Having pancreatic surgery
Examples of booklets and factsheets by Pancreatic Cancer UK
- Diet and pancreatic cancer
- Caring for someone with pancreatic cancer: information for families and carers
- Pain and pancreatic cancer
- Surgery to remove pancreatic cancer fact sheet
Books about cancer
J F Kelvin and L B Tyson
Jones and Bartlett Publishing, 2010
ISBN 978-0763777609
An American book which gives both doctor’s and patient’s views on coping with the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment. It has information about treatment for pain, nausea, tiredness, and other symptoms.
A Bloch and others
American Cancer Society, 2010
ISBN 978-0944235782
An American book but most of the information is relevant to the UK. It covers issues such as preventing weight loss and coping with dehydration, fatigue, and infection. It also discusses eating problems and digestion issues, such as swallowing problems, feeling sick and dealing with mouth sores. Focuses on survivorship and how to eat well after treatment.
Dr Terry Priestman
Sheldon Press, 2009
ISBN 978-1847090805
Gives information about chemotherapy, its side effects, and how to cope with them. Also discusses the effect of chemotherapy on everyday life, including tiredness, sex life and fertility, social life, work, holidays, exercise and diet.
Dr Terry Priestman
Sheldon Press, 2007
ISBN 978-0859699990
Gives information about radiotherapy, its side effects, and how to cope with them. Also discusses the effect of radiotherapy on everyday life, including social life, work, travel, exercise and diet.
A Ko, E Rosenbaum and M Dollinger
Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2009
ISBN 9780740786310
The author and contributors of this book are all American cancer specialists. The book covers how cancer is diagnosed, treated and managed day to day.
Jane Freeman
Sheldon Press, 2012
ISBN 978-1847091413
Written by a cancer dietitian, this is a practical handbook for people with cancer. Filled with helpful tips and recipes.
R B Patt and S S Lang
Oxford University Press, 2006
ISBN 9780195312027
Written to help people with cancer and their close friends and family make decisions about living with cancer and managing symptoms. Some sections are specific to the US. But it is still helpful for people in the UK
Caring for someone who is dying (Carer's handbook)
Penny Mares
Age Concern Books, 2003
ISBN 0862423708
Combines practical information about money and legal matters with coping with the illness and issues of grief and bereavement. Talks about the role of hospitals, hospices and community cancer care teams. Has some carer’s stories.
Julia Neuberger
Radcliffe Publishing Ltd, 2004
ISBN 1-857759-45-1
A helpful, practical book that discusses the issues that arise when looking after people from different faiths and cultures. Looks at Jewish, Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist faiths.
C Murray-Parkes, P Laungani and W Young
Routledge, 2015
ISBN 1317520920
Discusses beliefs about death and mourning and how people use ritual to cope with death.
Robert Buckman
Britnell Book Wholesalers, 2000
ISBN 1550130927
Helps family, carers and friends support and care for a dying person. Discusses how to talk and listen and outlines the dying process.
Paul Harris
Which? Books, 2009
ISBN 1844900711
Covers the law and describes issues you need to be aware of. Has a list of useful addresses.
Healthtalk.org
Provides free, reliable information about health issues including mental health, by sharing people's real-life experiences.
Find local cancer information and support near you
There are organisations and support in your local area that you can access. You can ask your specialist nurse or doctor for more information about cancer services near you.
England
The NHS website has a service that tells you about local information and support in England.
Scotland
NHS Inform gives information about illness, treatments and NHS services for people in Scotland.
Wales
NHS 111 Wales gives health advice and information for people living in Wales.
Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) website tells you where to find cancer information and support in Northern Ireland.
