A caring father who ignored his back pain as a typical sign of aging passed away only three weeks later. Geoff Follin, a former educator turned music instructor, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May last year. Despite experiencing back pain and indigestion since February 2024, the 58-year-old attributed these symptoms to aging. His sudden demise within a month of diagnosis shocked his family.
Nicola Follin, his wife from Upholland village in Skelmersdale, recalled the heartbreaking moment they learned of the diagnosis. Nicola, 49, expressed that upon hearing “pancreas,” they both realized the severity of the situation. Geoff spent a few days in the hospital before being discharged home under hospice care. Initially, they believed there were several months left, but his health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his passing shortly after their 21st wedding anniversary.
The couple has three children: Sam, 21, Isobel, 19, and Daisy, 17, who was in the midst of her GCSE exams. Geoff’s health declined swiftly, and he succumbed to the disease. Pancreatic Cancer UK notes the challenges in detecting pancreatic cancer early, with up to 80% of cases being discovered after the cancer has spread.
Nicola shared Geoff’s story to support the launch of a national clinical trial for a breath test developed by Imperial College London. The trial aims to validate the test across multiple centers, with Pancreatic Cancer UK investing over £1 million for its progression. The test, which involves analyzing breath samples, could potentially aid in early detection of pancreatic cancer, a disease known for its high fatality rate.
Geoff underwent various tests, including ultrasounds and CT scans, before receiving the terminal cancer diagnosis during a visit to A&E. Nicola expressed regret over their lack of awareness about pancreatic cancer before Geoff’s diagnosis. She believes that an early detection method like the breath test could have prolonged Geoff’s life or provided more time together as a family.
Pancreatic Cancer UK envisions the breath test revolutionizing early detection, potentially saving numerous lives annually. With over 10,800 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed each year in the UK, the test could offer a crucial first step towards timely treatment. Detecting volatile organic compounds in breath samples may pave the way for more individuals to undergo curative surgeries, currently the primary treatment option for the disease.