Rebecca Gossage was suffering from stomach pains and knew that something wasn’t right.
Keith Bromyard was first aware of his symptoms around October 2021.
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She was diagnosed with pancreatic Cancer less than two months later. At just 65 years old, he died.
The cancer has the lowest survival rate of any common cancer in the UK – with more than half of patients dying within three months of diagnosis.
Now, his daughter Rebecca has urged the government to offer GP appointments for all patients within two weeks.
Rebecca, who is from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire said her father started to lose weight rapidly.
But, tests took months to confirm that he was suffering from pancreatic carcinoma.
Although he was first diagnosed on December 30, 2021 with pancreatic carcinoma, it was discovered too late to qualify for surgery.
Rebecca, 38 years old, believes her father was given some hope after he was told that he was a good candidate for chemotherapy.
He was then told he would have to wait for treatment and that he would be rescheduled for several appointments.
Keith was still suffering and Keith’s wife had one day to call an ambulance because of the pain in her husband’s neck.
Rebecca said: “He was outside the hospital in the ambulance for 7 hours on the stretcher due to a backlog at A&E.
“Even though it was oncology he needed to go to, he still needed to be triaged through A&E.
“This is absolutely unacceptable: one, it was massively uncomfortable for him because he had started to develop pressure sores on his back; and two, a whole team of paramedics and an ambulance were outside of the hospital for 7 hours when they were likely needed elsewhere.”
Keith passed away tragically three days after he was admitted to hospital. He had never seen his surgeon.
Rebecca now works with Pancreatic Cancer UK to help them. “No Time to Waste” campaign.
The charity calls on all UK governments to publish cancer plans that are funded to provide faster diagnosis and treatment for pancreatic cancer patients who don’t have the time or patience to wait.
Rebecca said, “The government have been claiming that everyone will be able to see a GP within two weeks.
“Two Weeks is so long when you have pancreatic Cancer.
“It’s too long. It is so fast. It must be higher on the government’s agenda because the signs that dad had presented with, had they been picked up earlier with a scan, it might have been a bit more manageable for everybody.
“It might not have been so much of a shock, or he may have received chemo.”
These are the 6 signs you need to be aware of when it comes to pancreatic carcinoma
Pancreatic cancer is when malignant, or cancerous, cells develop in the pancreas’ tissues.
The NHS states that common symptoms include abdominal and back pain, unexplained weight loss and jaundice.
You may also experience the following symptoms:
- Appetite loss
- Changes in bowel habits like diarrhoea and constipation
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Patients may also suffer the symptoms of diabetes because pancreatic disease stops the production of insulin.
Data from Pancreatic Cancer UK shows that almost 60 per cent of people with the disease are being diagnosed in A&E or other emergency care – the highest proportion of any common cancer.
This means that for most people it is too late to receive life-saving treatments. More than half of patients die within three months. According to the charity, pancreatic cancer is the fastest-dealing cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer UK’s CEO Diana Jupp said that the NHS was at breaking point due to the pandemic and staff shortages.
Pancreatic cancer is the most deadly form of cancer. People who delay in getting diagnosed and treated could lose their chance of survival. There is no need to wait.
“Governments across the UK must bring forward and implement funded cancer plans to deliver faster diagnosis and treatment that will save lives, not just this winter but well into the future.
“We cannot afford not to stop lurching from one worsening crises to another.” People with pancreatic cancer, their loved ones, and hardworking NHS staff all deserve better.”
An NHS spokesperson, said: “More people than ever before are being referred by their GP with suspected cancer, and over 90 per cent of those diagnosed with cancer start their treatment within a month.
“The NHS is investing billions to expand diagnostic treatment capacity, for which cancer will be prioritised, and has written to Trusts with the longest backlogs asking them to urgently set out plans to reduce cancer waits – helping them redesign their care to meet the increased demand.”
According to the Department for Health and Social Care, “Every death from cancer in this country is a tragedy.” We are working hard to improve outcomes for all cancer patients in England. Over 80 community diagnostics centres have opened and provided more than two million additional scans, tests, or checks.
“During August, 92 per cent of people started cancer treatment within a month of receiving a decision to treat.
“We are also improving access to general practice, so that patients who need an appointment can get one within two weeks and those with urgent needs are seen within the same day.”
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