York cancer survivor backs world-first breath test in fight against Pancreatic Cancer
A former nurse from York is supporting a national trial that could transform early detection of Pancreatic Cancer
A York woman who survived pancreatic cancer is sharing her story to support the launch of a major new clinical trial testing a world-first breath test for the disease.
Suzanne Ford, a 67-year-old former nurse, hopes her experience will inspire others and highlight the urgent need for earlier diagnosis. The new trial — backed by Pancreatic Cancer UK — is believed to be the most significant step toward a lifesaving breakthrough in 50 years.
Suzanne experienced symptoms of stomach pain, digestion issues and weight loss before visiting a GP, which are aspects that many people often ignore:
"Don't hesitate to go to your GP and talk about your symptoms.
"I had tried to lose weight before going on holiday, like so many people do, however I hadn't appreciated that those symptoms could've also been indicative on Pancreatic Cancer- which of course it was."
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to detect early because symptoms — such as back pain, stomach discomfort and indigestion — are vague and easily mistaken for less serious conditions.
Currently, more than 80% of patients are diagnosed only after the cancer has spread, and over half die within three months of diagnosis, making it the deadliest common cancer in the UK.
The possibility of a breath test for early detection could save lives and make diagnosis of the cancer more accessible in the future. Suzanne said:
"This clinical trial could certainly revolutionise the early detection of Pancreatic Cancer."
The large-scale study will involve more than 6,000 patients with undiagnosed symptoms across hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales.
It represents the final stage before researchers can seek regulatory approval and adoption by the NHS. If the clinical trial is successful, the tests could be rolled out to GP's within the next 5 years.
The test has been developed by Professor George Hanna and his team at Imperial College London. Compounds in someone's breath that carry chemical 'signatures' can indicate the presence of the cancer.
Suzanne considers herself one of the lucky few. Diagnosed early enough to undergo surgery, she endured an intensive eight-hour operation last November, followed by a ten-day recovery in hospital.
Pancreatic Cancer UK is investing over £1.1 million to fund the trial, with hopes that this pioneering research will lead to a practical, life-saving tool for doctors nationwide.