Teacher Katherine Hartley, 54 had a Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumour, just like Steve Jobs, but thankfully with a much happier outcome, as she explains: “Up until Easter 2010 I had no idea there was anything major wrong. I had, however, noticed a mild ache in my lower back and my urine had become very dark with a strong smell.

After several tests an 8cm growth on the body and tail of my pancreas was discovered. I think I was in shock. In the back of my mind, I knew it was one of the ‘worst’ cancers to have and when I looked it up on the internet I was horrified at the statistics. Luckily, although malignant, it was operable. Silly as it might sound, I feel hugely fortunate.  My cancer, although malignant, hadn’t metastasised and was a Neuroendocrine Tumour which is very rare but is much less aggressive and slower growing than pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Looking back, I can think of little things that might have been linked such as a couple of occasions when I had to make a hasty retreat due to sudden sickness and diarrhoea. I remember, too, being up a few nights feeling unwell and very tired but put it down to a busy life, challenging job, bug etc. now I urge anyone to get themselves checked out with their GP if they notice anything out of the ordinary, however mild.”

Pancreatic cancer affects men and women equally. Whilst the causes are not fully understood, major risk factors include smoking (25% of all cases are due to smoking), obesity, diabetes and hereditary conditions associated with a predisposition to cancer.

Click here to go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action website for more information