Empowering Pharmacists to Lead Early Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis: New Training Module Launched

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers, where early diagnosis can significantly improve survival rates. Too often, the subtle symptoms of this disease go unnoticed until it is too late. Pancreatic Cancer Action, with thanks to EL Learning Design, is addressing this issue with the launch of an enhanced pharmacy training module, designed to empower pharmacists and their teams with the knowledge and skills needed for early diagnosis.

As frontline healthcare professionals with daily, trusted interactions with their communities, pharmacists and their teams are uniquely positioned to identify early signs of pancreatic cancer, which can include symptoms like progressive weight loss, jaundice, persistent back pain, and indigestion that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments. These subtle cues, if recognised early, can be critical in guiding patients to seek urgent medical attention.

This new eLearning module has been meticulously designed to support pharmacy teams in understanding and spotting the early signs of pancreatic cancer. The module equips participants with the tools to:

· Understand the pancreas' role and its functions in the body.

· Identify key risk factors and understand the profound impact of pancreatic cancer on patients.

· Recognize symptoms that warrant an immediate referral to a GP.

· Enhance communication skills when interacting with patients who exhibit potential symptoms or are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

By completing this module, pharmacists will be better equipped to play a proactive role in diagnosing pancreatic cancer early, potentially saving lives.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Pharmacist ambassador, Ade Williams, emphasises the critical role pharmacists can play in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer:

“Community Pharmacy is now well acknowledged as a cornerstone of equitable NHS Care. As the most accessible delivery point of healthcare, with innumerable daily contacts, care interactions and conversations, this is why evidence indicates that improving earlier pancreatic cancer diagnoses requires the Community Pharmacy team. Earlier diagnoses saves lives and improves treatment outcomes. This training resource, provided by Pancreatic Cancer Action, who have long championed the role and expertise of Community Pharmacy Teams including the wider pharmacy profession now embedded across the NHS footprint,

helps provide the knowledge and expertise needed. Please do take some time to complete the e-learning module, so that together we will help save lives.”

Pancreatic Cancer Action is proud to promote this module at two high-profile events:

· Pharmacy Show at NEC Birmingham (13th-14th October 2024), where over 8,000 pharmacists will gather. This platform presents an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the pharmacy team's vital role in early cancer diagnosis.

· Scottish Cancer Conference, EIC Edinburgh (25th November 2024). The breakout session, ‘Community Pharmacy – The New Front Line for Detecting Cancer Early,’ will highlight ongoing pilot programs in the UK, enabling pharmacists to directly refer patients into the cancer care pathway. The session will also showcase the new e-learning module, encouraging attendees to advocate for its use within their local pharmacy communities.

Pharmacists and pharmacy teams are encouraged to complete the e-learning module, available on Pancreatic Cancer Action’s website. Together, through collaboration and education, we can improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

This initiative has been made possible with generous support from Viatris, whose commitment to advancing public health continues to drive change in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

By empowering pharmacists and their teams to act as the first line of defence in spotting early pancreatic cancer symptoms, this training module could be a game-changer in reducing the mortality rate of one of the most lethal cancers. Together, we can make a real difference.