Pancreatic cancer resources and support organisations

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 

Visit the Pancreatic Cancer UK website

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.

The Pancreatic Society

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 

Visit the Pancreatic Cancer Action website

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

Visit the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund website

Diabetes UK have information on diabetes, including symptoms and how to cope.

Phone: 0345 123 2399 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

Visit the Diabetes UK website

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the US organisation for cancer research. It has information about all types of cancer. 

See NCI guides to cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical and medical support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline offers support with clinical, emotional, general and welfare benefits needs. They also publish 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

Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website

• 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.

Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website

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

Go to the Royal Marsden Hospital website

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 

Go to the Pancreatic Cancer UK website

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.