World Pancreatic Cancer Day
This World Pancreatic Cancer Day, we spoke with Megan, our Pancreatic Cancer Support Nurse, about the heart of her role, the importance of early awareness, and the comfort she brings to individuals and families during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Her insights offer a powerful reminder that no one has to face this journey alone.
Megan, can you share what your role as NIPANC’s Pancreatic Cancer Support Nurse involves and what drew you to this work?
As NIPANC’s Pancreatic Cancer Support Nurse, I’m here to walk alongside people and families at one of the most frightening and confusing times of their lives. My role involves listening, explaining, supporting, and often just being a steady presence when everything else feels uncertain.
I talk through diagnoses, help people understand their treatment plans, connect them with services, and give families the reassurance that they’re not facing this alone.
What drew me to this work is simple – people. I’ve always believed that compassionate, human connection is just as important as clinical care. Pancreatic cancer can feel isolating, and I wanted to be part of a service that brings comfort, clarity and kindness exactly when it’s needed most.
How does your role support the aims of World Pancreatic Cancer Day, particularly around raising awareness and offering compassionate care?
World Pancreatic Cancer Day gives us a platform to shine a light on a disease that is too often misunderstood or recognised too late. In my role, I help bring those key messages into everyday conversations – whether that’s with patients, families, healthcare teams, or the wider public.
But beyond raising awareness, compassionate care sits at the very heart of what I do. It’s about seeing the person, not just the diagnosis. Listening carefully. Offering reassurance. Helping people feel informed, supported and held at a time when their world may feel like it’s been turned upside down.
For individuals and families coping with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, what kinds of support and guidance do you provide from the very beginning?
From the very first conversation, my focus is on creating calm within the storm. I help people make sense of what’s happening – explaining terminology, outlining what the next stages of care might look like, and making sure they know who’s involved in their treatment.
I also support families as they navigate the emotional side of a diagnosis. It can feel like there’s a mountain of information and emotions to manage, so I offer space to ask questions, express fears, or simply talk things through. Sometimes it’s practical advice; sometimes it’s a friendly voice on a tough day. Both are equally important.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The most rewarding part is knowing that I’ve made someone’s journey feel just a little bit lighter. When a family tells me they feel more at ease after speaking with me, it means the world.
Being allowed into people’s lives at such a vulnerable time is a real privilege – and helping them find moments of hope, strength, or clarity is what keeps me passionate about this work.
On World Pancreatic Cancer Day, what key message would you like to share with the public about pancreatic cancer awareness and the importance of reaching out for support?
My message is this: don’t wait, don’t dismiss symptoms, and don’t feel you have to cope alone. Early awareness is powerful. If something doesn’t feel right, please speak to your GP.
And if you or a loved one is facing pancreatic cancer, reach out. Support can make a huge difference – Whether it’s through NIPANC, your healthcare team, or someone you trust, please know that there are people ready to help you through.
In partnership with NIPANC, we’re proud to help make this Pancreatic Cancer Support Nurse Service freely available to those who need it.
To contact Megan, please call: 07570 541299 or email: [email protected]