New Hope for UK Pancreas Cancer Patients
Following the sad news of actor Patrick Swayze’s death at the age of 57, University College and Princess Grace Hospital Consultant Surgeon Arjun Shankar talking to totalhealth’s Bob Davidson, gives an upbeat message for patients diagnosed with cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. of the pancreasA gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon, which together regulate glucose levels in the blood..
He says: “Things are changing. Over recent years there have been significant advances in the treatment of pancreasA glandular organ that secretes digestive enzymes and hormones. cancer, which traditionally carried a poor outcome. All patients are now managed in specialist pancreas cancer centres and particular progress has been made in chemotherapyThe use of chemical substances to treat disease, particularly cancer. (both pre and post operatively as well as in palliation). There have also been good advances leading to more aggressive surgical techniques - sometimes involving the removal of associated tumourAn abnormal swelling. bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. supply, targeted radiotherapyThe treatment of disease using radiation. and non surgical palliative A therapy that gives relief from the symptoms of a disease rather than impacting on its course. Often known as 'end of life' care. interventions. Patients in the UK should feel confident that they have access to the highest quality of healthcare via the NHS and via NHS / private sector collaborations comparable to anywhere in the World. For example, Harley Street at UCH is a pioneering collaboration between two highly respected London hospitals that delivers world-class treatments for cancers.”
Arjun Shankar is currently writing an article for totalhealth to update patients on some of the latest surgical treatment philosophies – in plain English.
