Suzanne Ford, aged 67, feels fortunate to have detected pancreatic cancer at an early stage, a rarity given the disease’s low long-term survival rate of 5% and the limited number of patients eligible for the crucial surgery she underwent. While reflecting on Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day, Suzanne highlighted the unique circumstances of her case.
During a vacation in Nice, France, in September 2023, Suzanne began feeling unwell after enjoying time with friends. Initially attributing her symptoms to overindulgence, she later noticed changes in her health upon returning home, prompting her to seek medical attention due to alarming symptoms like altered stool color and generalized itching.
As a former nurse, Suzanne’s medical background raised concerns about her health, leading to diagnostic tests that revealed pancreatic cancer just days after her initial symptoms. Despite initial devastation, Suzanne’s proactive approach allowed for early intervention through a pancreaticoduodenectomy, a rare opportunity for most pancreatic cancer patients.
Following successful surgery and subsequent chemotherapy, Suzanne’s cancer was confirmed at stage three, with no evidence of local spread, leading to a positive outcome. Her commitment to fitness and prompt medical care played a significant role in her recovery, emphasizing the importance of early detection in combating the challenging disease.
Suzanne’s journey has inspired her to support groundbreaking research efforts like the development of a pioneering breath test for pancreatic cancer by Professor George Hanna and his team at Imperial College, funded by Pancreatic Cancer UK. This innovative approach aims to enhance early detection and improve survival rates through timely diagnosis and treatment initiation.
The potential impact of the breath test on early detection and survival rates is promising, with implications for transforming the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. By raising awareness and advocating for innovative diagnostic tools, Suzanne and organizations like Pancreatic Cancer UK aim to revolutionize the approach to combating this deadly cancer and offering hope to individuals facing the disease.