RESEARCHERS at Oxford Brookes University are working with Pancreatic Cancer UK to undertake a UK-wide survey for patients affected by pancreatic cancer to determine the impact of the disease on their quality of life.

The survey will also look at whether the care and information they receive is sufficient to help them to manage their illness.

Pancreatic Cancer UK has commissioned the university in collaboration with Picker, an independent healthcare research charity.

Anna Jewell, Director of Operations at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “Sadly, we have heard many times from people diagnosed that they haven’t had the support they need to help them cope with the impact of the disease on their daily lives.

"But without hearing from patients across the UK, the full picture is hidden from us."

Patients will be asked about how they received their diagnosis, the treatments they have received, management of symptoms and side effects, as well as their thoughts on the written information they have been given and the attitudes of the medical professionals who have treated them.

Professor Eila Watson, Professor of Supportive Cancer Care at the university said: “We are very pleased to be leading this study to support the vital work of Pancreatic Cancer UK.

"The findings will provide a much better understanding of the support and information needs of people with pancreatic cancer, and will highlight where and how changes to the provision of supportive care may need to be made."

The survey is available online at tinyurl.com/2017pcuk .