A widow is campaigning to increase awareness of one of the deadliest cancers after her husband’s serious symptoms were dismissed until it was too late.
Maggie Watts, from Scunthorpe, has shared her husband Kevin’s journey with pancreatic cancer to raise awareness of the signs often overlooked. Kevin was a hard-working builder and loving father aged in his 40s when he first started experiencing stomach discomfort and persistent upper back pain, symptoms that would lead them down a tragic path.
Initially, Kevin’s symptoms were easy to brush aside and he chalked them up to hard work and his love of hearty meals. As his symptoms increased, Kevin sought help from his GP, who prescribed medications for indigestion, stomach ulcers, and back pain.
Despite Kevin’s deteriorating health, with Maggie noticing dramatic weight loss and his skin looking grey, there was no suspicion of cancer and his GP continued to suspect gastrointestinal issues. Kevin’s mum had died from pancreatic cancer when he was eight years old, but they didn’t know it could be hereditary.
After obtaining a private scan, the results revealed a worrying spot on his pancreas, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Tragically, although the cancer had not spread beyond the pancreas, it was inoperable due to its location around a major blood vessel.
Maggie said: “I didn’t know about familial pancreatic cancer or the symptoms back then. I began researching his symptoms online, and while I worried about pancreatic cancer, his GP dismissed my concerns, attributing them to ulcers.”
After his diagnosis, Kevin showed remarkable resilience, even completing the Great South Run after beginning chemotherapy. “He refused to let it defeat him and continued working, even throwing a ‘Still Standing’ party to say goodbye to friends and family, inspired by his favourite Elton John song,” Maggie said.
With a five-year survival rate below 8%, the disease is particularly deadly when diagnosed late. Kevin survived for 20 months and passed away in 2009, defying doctors’ expectations, but his story could have been different with earlier diagnosis.
Maggie now works with Pancreatic Cancer Action to spread awareness, so others might avoid the pain her family endured. She said: “Looking back, had we known about the connections between his symptoms – the back pain, indigestion, and weight loss – maybe Kevin would still be here today. I hope by sharing his story, others may seek help sooner.”
The #MISSEDmoments campaign seeks to educate people about pancreatic cancer symptoms and reduce late diagnoses. Joe Kirwin, Chief Executive of Pancreatic Cancer Action, states, “Maggie’s story is tragically common. Through #MISSEDmoments, we aim to shed light on the thousands of missed symptoms and the precious moments they cost families. Early detection can save lives, and that begins with awareness and understanding.”
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, claiming 26 lives daily in the UK. Many patients are diagnosed in A&E, where it’s often too late for effective treatment.
Despite its high mortality rate, pancreatic cancer receives only a small percentage of cancer research funding, underscoring the need for increased awareness and advocacy.
Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer, which are often misdiagnosed or dismissed, include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion or bloating that doesn’t go away
- Back or stomach pain
- Changes in stool (such as pale or greasy stools)
- New-onset diabetes or changes in blood sugar levels
Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe
