Grief ambushed: Widow's journey after pancreatic cancer

Phil Brown, 66, from Cheltenham, found his life irrevocably altered after his wife, Anna, died in January 2025, merely three months following her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He vividly recounts how everyday occurrences trigger overwhelming memories of their 45 years together, describing his grief as constant ambushes. Brown emphasizes the critical need for vigilance regarding symptoms like reflux and indigestion, urging others not to hesitate in seeking medical attention and insisting on blood tests due to the cancer's challenging early detection.

Anna's diagnosis came swiftly after experiencing discomfort, revealing a mass on her pancreas and spots on her liver. Pancreatic Cancer UK highlights that symptoms can be vague, leading to late diagnoses for many; half of patients die within three months of diagnosis. The charity is supporting a national clinical trial for a pioneering breath test for pancreatic cancer, with hopes for its adoption by GPs within five years. Following Anna's passing, Brown undertook a 630-mile walk along the South West Coast Path, a journey they had planned together, as a way to honor her memory.