The daughters of a couple who succumbed to pancreatic cancer are raising awareness about the disease to educate others on recognizing its symptoms. Rebekah Stubbs, aged 44, a former primary school teacher, and Laura Smith, aged 36, a nurse, shared the heartbreaking experience of losing their mother, Susan Smith, to pancreatic cancer in February 2012, followed by the passing of their father, Richard Smith, to the same illness in October 2023.
Pancreatic Cancer UK reports that approximately 50% of individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer perish within three months, a statistic that Rebekah and Laura tragically witnessed firsthand with the rapid decline of their parents within six months and three months, respectively.
Reflecting on their parents, Rebekah described their family as loving and close-knit, emphasizing her mother’s role as her best friend, while Laura highlighted their parents’ supportiveness towards their endeavors.
Noticing changes in their mother’s health in the summer of 2011, Rebekah observed Susan experiencing swallowing difficulties and excessive thirst, while Laura noted symptoms like acid reflux and general malaise. Despite visits to the doctor and initial misdiagnoses, Susan’s condition deteriorated rapidly, manifesting in gastrointestinal issues, skin discoloration, and nausea, leading to her eventual pancreatic cancer diagnosis in October 2011.
Following a series of treatments, Susan’s health declined precipitously, culminating in her passing in February 2012 at the age of 55. Subsequently, Rebekah and Laura took care of their grandmother, who had dementia and passed away in February 2022. Within a year of their grandmother’s death, their father, Richard, began experiencing back pain, which worsened over time despite medical consultations.
After persistent inaction from healthcare providers, Richard underwent tests that revealed pancreatic cancer in July 2023. Despite treatment efforts, Richard’s health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his passing just three months after diagnosis in October 2023 at the age of 70.
In response to their tragic losses, Rebekah reached out to Pancreatic Cancer UK to share their family’s journey, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the disease to facilitate quicker diagnoses and improved outcomes. Laura expressed hope in recent advancements, such as a pioneering clinical study funded by Pancreatic Cancer UK aimed at detecting the disease through a breath test.
The sisters encourage donations to Pancreatic Cancer UK to support vital research and awareness initiatives. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of pancreatic cancer and the urgent need for early detection and effective treatments.