Judi Adams never thought that a sore back and an occasional stomach ache could be signs of something much more serious: an eight-inch tumor.
Her vague symptoms were followed by an “unexpected” onset of nausea and loss of appetite late last year.
Doctors told Ms. Adams after a series of medical tests that there was a lump in her pancreas.
He went to the hospital for a biopsy of the tumor and woke up from the operation to find out he had pancreatic cancer.
A section of his pancreas and stomach were removed, along with his spleen.
Ms. Adams, 55, had thought her back pain was caused by spending much of her time working in an office environment and experienced “a kick” when she struggled.
“Obviously it was a bit of a shock to wake up and find out that you had an 8cm tumor living inside you without being invited,” he said.
Cancer is often diagnosed late
Pancreatic cancer affects about 3,700 Australians each year.
It is the fourth most common cause of cancer death due to a combination of factors.
It is often found after it has spread and cannot be removed.
There is also a lack of effective treatments for advanced disease.
Like many, Mrs. Adams’ vague symptoms “went out of the blue along the way.”
He said there was no indication that he had a large tumor in his pancreas.
“Many of the tests had appeared to be obscured by the organs surrounding the pancreas,” he said.
Patient inspired to help others
Ms. Adams has long volunteered to raise awareness and raise funds for breast cancer, including the organization of Pinktober, the four weeks of the year in which the landmarks of Brisbane and Tasmania are highlighted. light pink.
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“I wanted to turn my experience out to help others and make sure people were aware of what the symptoms of pancreatic cancer might look like,” he said.
“To ensure that they receive an early diagnosis so that the sooner the tumor is found, the better the result.”
The study highlights the first symptoms
Ms Adams said she found out that the medical research institute, QIMR Berghofer, was conducting a study on pancreatic cancer.
The study of the diagnostic pathways of pancreatic cancer, led by Rachel Neale, aims to identify the first signs and symptoms of cancer and understand which symptoms lead to the diagnosis first.
Rachel Neale says researchers are studying the first signs of pancreatic cancer. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Antonia O’Flaherty)
The study consists of filling out a paper or online questionnaire, and asking about education and lifestyle factors, as well as an assessment of how people have adapted to their diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Participants will also be interviewed by phone or video conference to talk about symptoms and their path to diagnosis.
Professor Neale said the Pathways study was still looking for 150 participants who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the past six months.
“A lot of people tell us about the long and difficult process of diagnosing,” he said.
Professor Neale said patients with pancreatic cancer could access better treatments and surgery if they were diagnosed earlier.
“Even if we can’t help people live longer, we can give them a little more time to adapt to their diagnosis and more opportunities to participate in clinical trials to find new treatments that can help people in the future, “he said.
Reduction of the diagnostic burden
Bridie Thompson says the study needs at least 150 more participants. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Antonia O’Flaherty)
Bridie Thompson, head of the Pathways Study Cancer Project and Epidemiology, said there were already 40 people who had shared their first signs and symptoms.
He said the process of getting a diagnosis could be distressing for patients and that the study aimed to reduce that burden.
“We are really interested in knowing the time from the first onset of symptoms to seeking medical attention and then receiving a definitive diagnosis,” he said.
“We hope this research will allow doctors to identify patients who should be investigated before pancreatic cancer.”