New project to improve treatment of pancreatic cancer

Last year 1,361 people in the South were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - among them 691 men and 670 women - just 54 of them have survived.

According to 'Pancreatic Cancer Action', only half of those who contracted the illness even knew it existed before becoming sick. Late diagnosis is often the problem. The charity is hoping to raise awareness and to push for greater funding into research.

ITV Meridian spoke to two women whose lives have been affected by pancreatic cancer and scientists working towards improving research into the condition. ITV Meridian presenter Stacey Poole also interviewed Ali Stunt, the CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action, who explained what the symptoms were - and the aims of her organisation.

They call it the silent killer - because once you're diagnosed there' s just a 4 percent survival rate. Pancreatic Cancer is the UK's 5th biggest killer in terms of cancer. But a new report says that's partly because patients are being diagnosed too late. In the south last year 1,361 people were diagnosed last year - the highest of any region.

Now Southampton General Hospital and Oxford University Hospitals are at the forefront of new project to help speed up diagnosis and improve treatment. Mary Stanley has more.

They call it the 'silent killer' - because - once it's detected there's just a 4% survival rate.

Pancreatic Cancer is the UK's fifth biggest cancer killer. A new report says that's partially because patients are being diagnosed too late.

More than 1.300 people in the region were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year. Only a small number survived.

Last week the actor Alan Rickman died from the condition.