Pancreatic Cancer: What to Expect

In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Dr. Yuk-Fun Liu, a diabetes consultant, to explore the important connection between diabetes and pancreatic cancer.We’ll cover:the link between pancreatic cancer and diabetes, particularly type 2 and type 3C diabeteshow diabetes can affect cancer treatment, including the impact of steroids and PET scansmanaging blood sugar levels during cancer care and the importance of ongoing monitoring.Dr. Liu offers valuable insights into how blood sugar management can improve quality of life and support treatment for those living with pancreatic cancer.

In this first episode, Dr Kiruthikah Thillai (Consultant Medical Oncologist) and Camilla Carr-Smith (Clinical Nurse Specialist) at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, introduce you to the series and give you a glimpse into the basics of pancreatic cancer care. We’ll cover:what the pancreas doeshow pancreatic cancer can develop and be diagnosedand what some of the treatment options are. You’ll also hear about the importance of looking at the whole person in treatment, not just the disease. This episode offers a taste of what's to come, setting the stage for deeper discussions in future episodes with insights from medical experts and real patients.

In this episode, Camilla is joined by Chris Pennie, who shares his personal journey from diagnosis to recovery after pancreatic cancer surgery. Chris' surgeon was Mr Mo Elmasry, the guest from our previous episode on surgery, and he joins the conversation.We cover:Chris’s experience with unexpected symptoms, diagnosis, and his decision to have surgerythe emotional and physical challenges of surgery and recoveryhow a major health scare transformed Chris’s outlook on life.Chris’s story highlights the importance of early detection and making the most of the opportunities that come with treatment. His candid reflections offer hope and insight for anyone facing pancreatic cancer surgery.