Pancreatic Cancer UK

Pancreatic Cancer UK (registered charity 1112708 in England and Wales and SC046392 in Scotland) runs a free Support Line staffed by specialist nurses (0808 801 0707, also by email and WhatsApp), publishes patient information including the fact sheet on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, keeps the list of UK specialist centres that the National Pancreatic Cancer Audit uses to define its HPB centres, and funds research into early detection and treatment. In 2021 it launched the Optimal Care Pathway initiative, bringing together 300 health professionals and people with lived experience to agree six recommendations: dedicated expert support from diagnosis, a 24/7 rapid access enhanced care service, an HPB or upper GI clinical nurse specialist as lead contact, diagnosis within 21 days of referral, standardised treatment pathways by stage, and treatment within 21 days of diagnosis (42 days from referral). Its current campaign calls for an end to shortages of PERT, which it says affect at least 61,000 people; its past Don't Write Me Off campaign pressed governments on treatment rates.