A healthy mother's initial symptoms were dismissed as food intolerances and IBS, but a delayed diagnosis revealed a devastating case of pancreatic cancer. Her story highlights the dangers of late detection and the urgency for increased awareness about this 'silent killer'.
Emma King, a fit and healthy mother from Maidstone, initially experienced persistent digestive issues and stomach problems in 2017. At the age of 40, she consulted her GP, who attributed her symptoms to food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and wheat sensitivity. Emma's sister, Hayley Penfold, noted that despite Emma's weight loss, a classic sign of cancer, no one suggested a scan.
After battling these symptoms for two years, Emma was finally sent for a scan in August 2019, which revealed a mass on her pancreas confirmed to be cancer that had already spread to her liver.Pancreatic cancer is known as a 'silent killer' due to its subtle symptoms that are often only detected in later stages. Emma promptly started chemotherapy and, despite facing a bout of pneumonia in December 2019, managed to return home for Christmas. However, her condition worsened, forcing the cancellation of planned family trips to Disneyland Paris and Lapland UK. As 2020 progressed, Emma's health declined further, with lumps appearing in her back in October and November. The chemotherapy and hormone injections that formed her cancer treatment eventually became ineffective.On January 4, 2021, Emma's family received the devastating news that she had only a week to live. She passed away on January 11, 2021, a year and a half after her diagnosis, surrounded by her mother, stepfather, and husband, Nick. Hayley hopes sharing Emma's story will raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and encourage early detection. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the least survivable forms of cancer, with an alarmingly increasing number of cases. Hayley actively participates in the 'Give It Up for PanCan' campaign, urging individuals to forego personal pleasures like alcohol, chocolate, or social media for a month to support those affected by pancreatic cancer and raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action
PANCREATIC CANCER SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS HEALTH CANCER AWARENESS
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