UK knows ‘almost nothing’ about pancreatic cancer

Nearly two thirds of the UK population is lacking in awareness of pancreatic cancer, according to a new survey sponsored by Celgene.

According to data collected from 7,000 adults in Europe and the US, 64% of people in the UK say they know 'almost nothing' about the disease despite it being the fifth most common cause of death among cancers in the UK.

In response, Celgene said it would be begin a working partnership with pancreatic cancer organisations, such as Pancreatic Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer Action, to raise the level of education and awareness about the disease and emphasise the need for change in attitude.

This includes supporting World Pancreatic Cancer Day, which took place last week on November 13.

Markus Renschler, senior VP and global head of hematology and oncology medical affairs for Celgene, said: “Putting a dent in the rather grim pancreatic cancer statistics will be challenging, but with the appropriate treatment and the more than 170 global clinical trials evaluating investigational treatments in approximately 35,000 patients we believe outcomes will be improved for patients.”

Awareness was also lacking in other countries surveyed across Europe and the US. Respondents in Spain knew the least about pancreatic cancer, with 26% admitting to knowing almost nothing.

Across all countries, 61% of respondents ranked supporting ways to increase screening and earlier diagnosis as being among the most important goals in terms of raising awareness, followed by a call for more research to prevent pancreatic cancer (53%).

Ali Stunt, founder and CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action: “Throughout the world, this type of cancer has been persistently underfunded and has languished in the 'too-hard-to-deal-with' category for far too long. This is reflected in the dire survival rates. More investment into both research and treatment is required to make the long overdue improvements in outcomes for patients.”