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Aberdeenshire East MSP raises awareness of pancreatic cancer along with constituent


By Kyle Ritchie



Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has shared the common symptoms of pancreatic cancer – and urged people with symptoms to see their GP.

In a debate in the Parliament on Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 2022, Ms Martin spoke about recently meeting with her constituent Christine Wilson, who is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.

She said that during their conversation, Ms Wilson explained that one of the reasons her back and stomach pain was not diagnosed as pancreatic cancer was because she did not “fit the profile”.

Ms Martin said: “I’ve heard this before in discussion with our colleagues at Pancreatic Cancer UK. The fact is that anyone can get pancreatic cancer.”

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin.

Gillian Martin and Christine Wilson are urging people to see their GP if any of these symptoms appear:

  • If your back or stomach hurts it could be that a tumour is pushing against nerves or organs near the pancreas or blocking the digestive tract.
  • If you feel bloated, get it checked as pancreatic cancer may cause gas, bloating or a build-up of extra fluid in the abdomen.
  • Loss of appetite, indigestion or nausea are common in people with pancreatic cancer, as is constipation or diarrhoea.
  • If you are losing weight and you do not know why, it could be because cancer is causing your body to burn more calories than usual
  • If your skin and eyes look yellow – it could be jaundice caused by a tumour blocking the bile that should flow from the gallbladder into the small intestine.

Regarding awareness of symptoms, Ms Wilson said: “It's so important to be aware of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. You know when something is different with your body.

Christine Wilson.
Christine Wilson.

"I knew something was different for a couple of months before noticing some of the symptoms, so get it checked out by your GP.

"Sometimes people ignore the symptoms, such as a backache, in the hope that it goes away. Let your friends and family know about the symptoms too.

"It's so important to catch this as early as possible, maybe you'll be lucky and the cancer can be treated whilst the tumour is still small enough.”

Ms Martin said: “Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer in Scotland and it’s crucial to detect the disease as early as possible.

"With early diagnosis, survival is possible – if you have any of the symptoms, don’t stay silent.

“I am particularly thankful to my constituent Christine Wilson for urging me to spread awareness of the symptoms, and like her I hope at least one person today will act on her advice and be able to get life saving treatment.”


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