Royal Mail Group – Menopause – Supporting Menopausal Women At Work through a Suitable and Sufficient Policy, Procedure, Management & Guidance: Motion 93(2015), Motion 85(2013,) Motion 93(2012), Motion 100(2005)] – Update Report:

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

A number of Motions have been carried at CWU Conference in recent years (copies attached) and the Health, Safety & Environment Department has been actively pursuing the terms of the Motions on supporting women workers through the menopause and this is an update report to Branches and Reps on the outcome and progress of recent meetings and discussions.

Tripartite meetings have taken place with Professor Amanda Griffiths of Nottingham University who is an expert in the field, having undertaken a lot of work and research on the subject. Indeed Professor Griffiths advised the TUC on the production of the TUC Guide on ‘Supporting Women Through The Menopause At Work’. Discussions were also held with Jeremy Bevan HSE Leader of the Vulnerable Workers Team, who Branches and Safety Reps will recall was a guest speaker at a CWU Conference Health and Safety Fringe Meeting in the past.

TUC/University of Nottingham Study by Professor Amanda Griffiths

After raising the matter and CWU Conference Motions with the TUC, via the National Officer’s position on the TUC Union Health and Safety Specialists Committee, a study was commissioned and the TUC Guidance was published in 2011 based on a University of Nottingham Study by Professor Amanda Griffiths, specialist in the area having undertaken a lot of work and research (copy attached).

Professor Amanda Griffiths’ study has shown that nearly half of women going through the menopause have difficulty coping with symptoms at work yet two thirds say they would not dream of disclosing their menopausal status to their bosses, male or female. The study points out that there are 3.5 million women over the age of 50 working full-time and the challenge of the menopause is fast becoming an occupational health issue and should be treated as such, with more support from employers, recommends the study. If women don’t feel they can speak openly, then they won’t get the support they need. The study concludes that support for menopausal women can be increased, through more awareness, more flexible working hours and, crucially, improvements in workplace temperature control and ventilation. If a woman needs to take a break and have a rest they should be able to ask for it. It should be understood that a woman may need a fan, to sit by an open window or have time out

occasionally. The report was shared with the Royal Mail Group Director of Safety, Health, Wellbeing & Sustainability and the Head of Health and fully discussed as a basis for a way forward.

Royal Mail Group “Managing Short Term Absence & Informal Absence Review Guide”

The CWU Health Safety and Environment Department pointed out that line managers need to be trained and informed in order to be aware of how the menopause can affect work and what adjustments may be necessary to support women who are experiencing the menopause.

The Royal Mail Group “Managing Short Term Absence & Informal Absence Review Guide” has a new additional paragraph inserted which should help managers deal with absences relating to the menopause. The paragraph headed “Managing an employee’s return to work” states – “Employees may find it difficult to discuss their health concerns particularly for conditions that are of a personal nature, such as irritable bowel syndrome, the menopause or gender related health issues. Managers should allow time and listen to the employee when having these conversations.” The emphasis is on the manager to listen and understand that this is a condition to a certain age group of women where they may not be able to perform elements of their duty on a particular day but may be able to perform some other work within the office for example. This is a small but positive step, coupled with the fact that members can ask to be interviewed by someone of the same sex, it is a positive move in the right direction. (Copy attached).

Royal Mail Group – Work with King’s College London and the University of Nottingham

Further to our discussions with the RMG Head of Health on CWU Conference Policy and Motions with reference to improving managers’ training and understanding of the menopause in the workplace and how to deal with it, recent studies have suggested that menopausal women would like their managers to be more aware of menopause at work and more understanding and sympathetic. Royal Mail Group has agreed to work with a team of researchers from King’s College London and the University of Nottingham who are currently conducting a “Menopause@Work” Project. The project aims to develop and test a new training brief which is a 30 minute online training for line managers and supervisors to increase their awareness and understanding of the menopause at work and how to support staff.

Royal Mail Group has committed to take part in this research project, identifying and inviting a mixed sample of 100 managers to contribute. Participation is completely voluntary and the details of managers taking part will be kept confidential. The only information is an email address, so that the participant can be sent the training and follow up questionnaire after the training. The survey will be available via an on line link, and will close on Sunday 12th November 2017. Four weeks after completion, participants will receive a brief follow up survey to provide feedback on training and any increased awareness of the menopause.

The results of the study will be disseminated in various ways to help inform other experts, interested parties, and the general public. For example, this may include an academic journal paper, presentations at conferences, and reports to the funder. It will also be used to improve the training or ways to create a new training program in the future and from this will support the development of Royal Mail’s approach, training and guidance.

The link to the survey will be shared via email with 100 managers in the sample this week. A further update report will be provided.

Further Research Reports and Guidance

For your information and reference find attached the following:-

University of Leicester Research ‘Workplace Menopause Study’.

EIS guidance – “Supporting older women members”.

Wales TUC Report “The menopause: a workplace issue – report of a Wales TUC survey investigating the menopause in the workplace”.

All have been shared and discussed with RMG as part of the ongoing joint work (copies attached).

Attachments:

1. Motion 93(2015), Motion 85(2013,) Motion 93(2012), Motion 100(2005)

2. TUC Report ‘Supporting Women Through The Menopause’

3. RMG Managing Short Term Absence and Informal Absence Review Guide

4. University of Leicester Research ‘Workplace Menopause Study’

5. EIS guidance – “Supporting older women members”

6. Wales TUC Report “The menopause: a workplace issue – report of a Wales TUC survey investigating the menopause in the workplace”

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

17LTB610 Royal Mail Group – Menopause – Supporting Menopausal Women At Work

Conference Motion 93 – 2015

CWU Conference 2013 Motion 85 2012 Motion 93

Conference Motion 100 – 2005

TUC – Supporting_Women_Through_the_Menopause

Managing Short Term Absence and Informal Absence Review Discussions Guide

University of Leicester Research Workplace Menopause Study

EIS Guidance – Supporting Older Women Members

Wales TUC Report The Menopause a workplace issue

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BT PENSION REVIEW – BT TO COMMENCE FORMAL CONSULTATION

BT has issued a communication today advising that a formal “60-day consultation” process will start next week on 15 November. This formal consultation is required before BT can make any significant changes, which are unlikely to take effect before 1st April 2018.

The consultation will set out BT’s proposals for changes to the BT Pension Scheme and the BT Retirement Saving Scheme.

Nothing has been agreed with the CWU.

The CWU’s strong preference was to reach a recommended deal with BT prior to any formal consultation process. We wanted to take the time necessary to conclude a complex set of discussions. However, BT has decided to start the consultation next week even though we are not in a position to recommend an agreement.

Starting the 60-day consultation will not prevent us from pursuing our agenda.

 We remain resolute in our opposition to closure of the BT Pension Scheme.

 Any changes to the BT Pension Scheme for future service must take into account members’ pension expectations.

 The BT Retirement Saving Scheme must be improved as part of this review.

Both the BT Pension Scheme (BTPS) and BT retirement Saving Scheme (BTRSS) are in scope for the review. The BTPS was closed to new members in April 2001 and the BTRSS is the pension scheme that people employed after this date can join.

We will continue to keep members advised of developments and will consult members on the outcome of negotiations.

In the meantime, please ensure that you make your views clear to your local CWU Branch or email btpensions@cwu.org Please note that the CWU is unable to give financial advice.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Kerr

Deputy General Secretary (T&FS)

606.2017

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CWU Humanitarian Aid Christmas card

The purpose of this LTB is to inform Branches that the Union’s charity, CWUHA has, this year, commissioned a special Christmas card for the purpose of fundraising for their various projects in Eastern Europe, Africa and the UK.

The cards are priced at £10 per pack of ten and the proceeds will go towards the charity’s 2018 projects, which include the continued funding of teachers and pupils for the CWUHA-supported school in Tanzania; phase 2 of the Phoenix Centre Project for disabled children; our third annual football tournament for disadvantaged children; the refurbishment of a rundown children’s hospital ward and furnishing bedrooms and supplying sports equipment for a large orphanage in Moldova that cares for 500 children.

In addition the CWUHA will be looking at ways to continue their support for Syrian refugees and offering holidays of a lifetime to underprivileged children.

The CWUHA projects require continued financial assistance and they rely on the generosity of branches and their members. I would urge all branches to affiliate to the CWUHA and encourage you and your members to affiliate as individuals. Please see the attached affiliation forms.

The Charity would like to thank and credit David Gibbon from the Durham County Amal Branch for the amazing photo of an artic fox and the CWU Communications Department for designing and producing the card.

If you wish to support the CWU Humanitarian Aid by placing an order for some of these cards, please contact Trish Vollans at trish.vollans@openreach.co.uk or Carl Webb at northwestregion@cwu.org.

If you have any enquiries on the content of this LTB please forward to gsoffice@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary

17LTB603 CWUHA CHRISTMAS CARD

CWUHA Branch Affiliation Form

CWUHA Individual Affiliation Form

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Political Forum – Wednesday 6th December, Birmingham & District Amal Branch, 11am – 3pm

The purpose of this LTB is to notify branches that we will be holding the CWU annual political forum on 6th December at the:-

Birmingham & District Amal Branch

47 Summer Lane

Hockley

Birmingham

B19 3TH

This is an important opportunity to discuss the union’s political strategy and our work in the Labour Party and all Branch and Regional Political Officers are asked to attend this.

At the event we will be discussing the union’s key political campaigns and policies – including demands on our industries and our call for a New Deal for Workers – and briefing branches and activists on steps to drive these forward. We will also be providing resources on our campaigns and‎ a push to encourage members to get involved in and join the Labour Party. A full agenda will be published shortly.

Any queries on the contents of this LTB should be sent to gsoffice@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely

Dave Ward

General Secretary

17LTB605 POLITICAL EVENT

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NDC – Safety Footwear Trials

To: All Branches with RMG Members

Dear Colleagues,

In response to various enquiries, it was agreed earlier this year to undertake a range of trials on new footwear makes, designs and styles in an effort to develop and re-design the range into a modern, fit for purpose range in order to encourage more staff to wear them, to meet individuals needs and preferences and to provide an improved, safe, ergonomically sound, durable and fit for purpose footwear range that staff are eager to wear.

Part of these trials involves 162 members at NDC (National Distribution Centre) Northampton who are taking part in the footwear trials of 9 types/designs of shoes and boots, including new trainer types and standard types of shoes and boots with those involved selecting from the new options and feeding back to the joint RMG/CWU committee.

The footwear types being trialed have been allocated to the members involved so RMG knows who receives what type, make and style and RMG has matched the trial product against what they have ordered in the past i.e. if they had previously had trainers RMG have allocated them a new trainers trial style.

The delivery has been phased in with some new styles taking longer to arrive as they are completely new.

Included in the NDC Trials is the option to trial the Parcelforce footwear, previously only supplied to PFW staff.

Footwear Types and Styles on trial:- Product

Feature VariantsRY06 Easyflex boot

Waterproof including Composite Toe CapEasyflex Trainer

Non Waterproof including Composite Toe CapTaormina shoe

In all black – Non Waterproof including Composite Toe CapYours sincerely

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

17LTB604 NDC – Safety Footwear Trials

Copy of NDC Trial List

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Collection From The Black Worker’s Conference 2017

At the Black Worker’s Conference held in Bristol on the 17th October 2017, the sum of £1,580 was raised and this will be donated to the Syrian Refugees.

Thank you for all the donations received from the branches.

Yours sincerely

Linda Roy

Assistant Secretary

LTB 602 – Black Workers Conference 2017

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Swing Bar Barrier Gate Serious Accident to Keighley Postman Driver – Crown Court Case Against Site Owners Outcome – Guilty of Health and Safety Offences

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

LTB 605/16 dated 14 October 2016 , reported to Branches, Health and Safety Reps and Regional Health and Safety Forums that on the 9th August 2016 a Keighley Delivery Office Postman and CWU member received serious injuries when his van collided with an unsecured ‘Swing Arm Barrier Gate’ which penetrated the Windscreen of his Royal Mail Vauxhall Combo delivery van and struck him in the face and head causing very serious injuries as he was leaving a sports centre premises after completing his deliveries to the address. The member narrowly avoided death and was fortunate to survive the accident. He was rushed to hospital where he underwent major surgery. Several operations and long term treatment for his injuries followed. (See Attached Photographs of the Accident Scene and Collision).

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department held meetings and exchanged correspondence with both Bradford Council and the HSE to press for the owners of the premises to be prosecuted for Health and Safety Offences and a prosecution of the site owners eventually proceeded.

Last month the site owners, Silsden Community Sports Club, pleaded guilty to health and safety regulation breaches at Bradford Crown Court, for failing to secure the swing bar barrier gate which subsequently swung into the path of the Royal Mail van.

The fact that this prosecution proceeded in the first place came about due to pressure by the CWU Health, Safety and Environment Department on the enforcing authorities to prosecute the site owners.

There was some reluctance by the Local Authority to prosecute, because of the type of organisation the defendants were. Silsden Community Sports Club serves the local community with little money and assets, depending on grants, donations and volunteer workers, the Club provides local facilities and amenities on a ‘not for profit’ basis, rather like a charity and is run by volunteers.

Nevertheless, we are pleased the prosecution went ahead and that Silsden Sports Club were found guilty as there is no excuse for ignoring safety legal obligations and compliance which in this case could have led to a fatality.

The outcome of the case that the Judge fined the Club a nominal £140 instead of a six figure fine plus costs and a restitution order which would have been the outcome had the Club owners been a large commercial company or organisation. For example, North Lincolnshire Council were fined £200,000 in a similar case. The Judge in this case also refused to grant Bradford Council their prosecution costs of £4,000, leaving them out of pocket.

The Judge said that he was following the ‘Mandatory’ Sentencing Council Guidance to the courts. This means that the court is required to take into account the “means” of the offenders and the court can’t set fines the offenders simply can’t pay. The court must take into account the size of the organisation in determining the sentence. It must look at turnover and profits identified in accounts and annual reports and the overall financial circumstances as well as the potential impact of offenders ability to improve safety conditions, make improvements and restitution etc.

A Civil Litigation, Claim for Damages for the member is being handled by the Union’s Solicitors and this will be a different thing altogether and will not face any limitations with the claim being taken against the Club’s Insurers. The payout will be based on a quantified, expertly valued and negotiated amount by the Solicitors and Barristers involved, either via a negotiated out of court settlement or if need be, via the civil courts.

The seriousness of the risk posed by unsecured ‘Swing Arm Barrier Gates’ cannot be underestimated. Apart from the 2016 Keighley case, in June 2011 a Somerset Delivery Office Postman was killed in a collision with a swing arm barrier gate at a farm and in 2012 a man died when his vehicle drove into an unsecured swing arm barrier gate at a car park in Lincolnshire.

The HSE issued a Warning and Advice, following the growing number of people killed or seriously injured in collisions with swing arm barrier gates in car parks (copy attached).

HSE Guidance states that ‘Duty Holders’ need to ensure that Swing Arm Barrier gates do not pose a hazard to drivers and must secure the gate, ensuring that suitable precautions are in place to control any risks and avoid collisions with vehicles, by making sure the gates are locked back open and are shut to suitable fixing posts preferably with a padlock so they cannot swing open and present an impalement risk.

A Swing Arm Barrier Gate typically comprises of a supported, horizontal bar or beam hinged at a vertical pillar. The bar is manually moved to open or close off access to an opening in a premises, car park exit/entrance.

Accidents have occurred when barriers have been inadequately secured so that they have partially opened and presented a least visible end on profile of the protruding barrier which has impaled an oncoming vehicle. The end profile of the barrier may not be clearly visible to an oncoming driver. Other incidents have occurred as a barrier has swung into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Unsecured barriers can swing open due to the wind, gravity, vibration or as a result of vandalism.

Royal Mail issued a Safety Alert following the Keighley accident (copy attached) for the Attention of all Royal Mail Van drivers regarding the dangers posed by unsecured swing arm barriers gates.

Would all CWU Branches and Safety Reps continue to raise awareness of the risks with Swing Arm Barrier Gates and bring the Royal Mail SHE Safety Alert and HSE Advice to Members who are Drivers!

In 2016, there was evidence to suggest that the Royal Mail Safety Alert had not been effectively briefed out and brought to the attention of our members nor displayed on Notice Boards. Would Safety Reps please ensure that this Safety Alert has been communicated to drivers so they are fully aware of the dangers of unsecured Swing Arm Barrier Gates.

Owners and operators of premises with Swing Arm Barrier Gates are must lock back these gates and are failing in their general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act if they don’t do that simple task. Drivers should report any premises they deliver to or collect from where this is a problem in order that Royal Mail can take it up with the site owners.

As the Accident Scene and Accident Investigation Photographs demonstrate, Swing Arm Barrier Gates can be difficult to see when approaching them head-on and when not secured back especially in bad weather or poor light. The HSE advise that the end profile of the swing-arm barrier may not be clearly visible to an oncoming driver!

Attachments:

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

17LTB599 Swing Bar Barrier Gate Serious Accident to Keighley Postman Driver – Crown Court Case Against Site Owners Outcome – Guilty of Health and Safety Offences

16LTB605 Serious Safety Warning To All CWU Member Drivers Swing Arm Barrier Gates Hazard One Member Seriously Injured One Member Killed

RM Safety (SHE) Alert (GP SA 2016 00)

LTB 605 Att 1

LTB 605 Att 2

LTB 605 Att 3

LTB 605 Att 4

LTB 605 Att 5

LTB 605 Att 6

LTB 605 Att 7

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Collection From The Disability Conference 2017

At the Disability Conference held in Bristol on the 18th October 2017, the sum of £281 was raised and this will be donated to the Bristol DPAC Branch.

Thank you for all the donations received from the branches.

Yours sincerely

Linda Roy

Assistant Secretary

LTB 601 – Disability Conference 2017

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Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month November 2017 and World Pancreatic Cancer Day Thursday 16 November 2017

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

What You Need to Know About Cancer of the Pancreas

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and World Pancreatic Cancer Day is Thursday 16 November. Most people are not always as knowledgeable about pancreatic cancer as breast, lung or prostate cancer, but the disease is just as debilitating.

The pancreas is a fish shaped organ that lies behind the stomach, deep in the body. It measures about 6 inches long and less than 2 inches wide. The pancreas is made up of exocrine glands (which make pancreatic enzymes that break down food in the intestines) and clusters of cells (which make hormones like insulin that help balance the amount of sugar in the blood).

Pancreatic cancer starts when the exocrine glands or the endocrine cells form tumours, which can spread throughout the body. Cancers formed by the exocrine cells are much more common.

When pancreatic cancer spreads, the cancer cells may also be found in nearby lymph nodes, the liver, the lungs or in fluid collected from the abdomen.

What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is a large gland that lies behind the stomach, at the back of the tummy area (abdomen) – at about the same height as the bottom of the breastbone. It is about 15cm (6 inches) long and shaped a bit like a tadpole. It is often described as having a head, body and tail. It is surrounded by several large and important organs and blood vessels. The head of the pancreas is next to the duodenum (first part of the small intestines). The body of the pancreas is the middle section, and the tail is next to the spleen. The liver, stomach, intestines, left kidney and gallbladder are also all close to the pancreas. The blood vessels that carry blood to the liver, intestines, kidneys and lower part of the body are very close to the pancreas, and may touch it. The pancreatic duct runs the length of the pancreas. It carries pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes made by the pancreas to the intestines. The pancreatic duct and bile

duct (which carries a fluid called bile from the liver) both open into the duodenum (small intestines).

Facts About Pancreatic Cancer

• Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the UK.

• Pancreatic cancer is the fifth biggest cancer killer in the UK – 26 a day.

• 8,500 people die from pancreatic cancer in the UK every year.

• Just 5% of patients survive – it has the worst survival rate of all 22 common cancers.

• The average life expectancy on diagnosis is four to six months.

• There are around 9,500 new cases of pancreatic cancer in the UK every year.

• About 1 in 75 people will get pancreatic cancer at some point in their life.

• Pancreatic cancer affects men and women equally.

• Nearly half of people are diagnosed as an emergency in our A&E system.

The earlier pancreatic cancer is caught, the better chance a person has of surviving 5 years after being diagnosed.

Pancreatic cancer – what is it?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when a malignant tumour forms in the pancreas. There are two main types of pancreatic cancer: Exocrine tumours which make up the vast majority of all pancreatic cancers and come from the cells that line the ducts in the pancreas which carry digestive juices into the intestine, and rarer, Endocrine tumours which are much less common.

What causes pancreatic cancer?

The causes of pancreatic cancer are not fully understood. However, there are some risk factors that make developing pancreatic cancer more likely:

Smoking – There is a direct relationship between the amount you smoke and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Around a third of all cases are associated with smoking.

Age – The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age. It mainly affects people who are 50-80.

Chronic Pancreatitis – Long-term inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) has been linked to pancreatic cancer.

Diabetes – There have been a number of reports which suggest that diabetics have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Obesity – Recent studies have shown that risk is higher in people who are obese (have a Body Mass Index more than 30). Some studies show that obese women who carry their weight on their stomach area are at an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Stomach Ulcer – Stomach Ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection (a stomach infection).

Genetics – In about 1 in 10 cases, pancreatic cancer is inherited from a person’s parents. Certain genes also increase your chances of getting pancreatitis, which in turn increases your risk of developing cancer of the pancreas.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer

In the early stages, a tumour in the pancreas doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose.

It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, and aren’t usually the result of cancer. But individuals should contact their GP if concerned, or if these symptoms start suddenly.

The first noticeable symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often:

• pain in the back or stomach area – which may come and go at first and is often worse when you lie down or after you’ve eaten

• unexpected weight loss

• jaundice – the most obvious sign is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes; it also causes your urine to be dark yellow or orange and your stools (faeces) to be pale-coloured

Other possible symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

• nausea and vomiting

• bowel changes

• fever and shivering

• indigestion

• blood clots

Those affected may also develop symptoms of diabetes if they have pancreatic cancer, because it can produce chemicals that interfere with the normal effect of insulin.

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer

The GP will first ask about general health and carry out a physical examination. They may examine the tummy (abdomen) for a lump and to see whether the liver is enlarged.

They’ll also check the skin and eyes for signs of jaundice and may request a urine sample and blood test.

If the GP suspects pancreatic cancer, the person concerned will usually be referred to a specialist at a hospital for further investigation where the following may take place:

• an ultrasound scan

• a computerised tomography (CT) scan

• a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

• a positron emission tomography (PET) scan – where an injection is given of a very small amount of radioactive medication, known as a tracer, which helps to show up cancers in an image

Depending on the results of a scan, further tests may include:

• an endoluminal ultrasonography (EUS) endoscopy – a type of endoscopy which allows close-up ultrasound pictures to be taken of the pancreas

• an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – a type of endoscopy which is used to inject a special dye into the bile and pancreatic ducts; the dye will show up on an X-ray and highlight any tumours

• a laparoscopy – a surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to see inside the body using a laparoscopy (a thin, flexible microscope)

• A biopsy, where a small sample is taken from a suspected tumour, may also be carried out during these procedures.

NICE guidelines

In 2015, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidelines to help GPs recognise the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer and refer people for the right tests faster.

To find more on this read the NICE 2015 guidelines on Suspected Cancer: Recognition and Referral at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance

Treating pancreatic cancer

Cancer of the pancreas is difficult to treat. It rarely causes any symptoms in the early stages, so it’s often not detected until the cancer is fairly advanced. If the tumour is large, treating the cancer will be more difficult.

If diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the treatment will depend on the type and location of the cancer, and how far it’s advanced. Age, general health and personal preferences will also be taken into consideration.

The first aim will be to completely remove the tumour and any other cancerous cells. If this isn’t possible, treatment will focus on preventing the tumour growing and causing further harm to the body.

The three main treatments for pancreatic cancer are:

• surgery

• chemotherapy

• radiotherapy

Some types of pancreatic cancer only require one form of treatment, whereas others may require two types of treatment or a combination of all three.

Recovering from Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

Recovering from pancreatic cancer surgery can be a long and difficult process.

Patients will probably experience some pain after the operation. Adequate pain relief will be prescribed.

After any type of surgery to the digestive system, the bowel will temporarily stop working. This means the patient won’t be able to eat or drink straight away.

The patient will gradually be able to sip fluids, before eventually being able to drink and eat more regularly. Advice will be given about what foods should be eaten following the operation.

After the tumour has been removed, the patient will probably have a six-month course of chemotherapy, which greatly increases the chance of being cured. But because cancer of the pancreas is difficult to diagnose and treat, many people don’t recover completely.

Treatment can be very effective in helping to ease symptoms and make the patient as comfortable as possible. Chemotherapy can help shrink the tumour and slow down its growth.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day –Thursday 16 November

This month is Pancreatic Cancer Month and Thursday 16 November is World Pancreatic Cancer Day. The CWU will be joining individuals and organisations in the UK and across the globe to

show that we are “in it together” in the aim to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. World Pancreatic Cancer Day is organised by an International Steering Group made up of the following organisations: Pancreatic Cancer Action (UK), Pancreatic Cancer UK, PurpleOurWorld Australia, The JCM Foundation (USA), Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society (Canada), European Cancer Patient Coalition (EU), PASYKAF (Cyrpus).

Pancreatic Cancer UK

Pancreatic Cancer UK is a charity fighting to make a difference by taking on pancreatic cancer, by supporting those affected by the disease, investing in research, lobbying for greater recognition of pancreatic cancer, and being there for everyone involved in the fight. The Charity wants to make sure that everyone touched by it gets the support and information they need. The Charity is here for everything you need to know about pancreatic cancer.

• They provide expert, personalised support and information via a Support Line and through a range of publications

• They fund innovative research to find the breakthroughs that will change how we understand, diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer

• They campaign for change; for better care, treatment and research, and for pancreatic cancer to have the recognition it needs.

Support Line – Freephone

Pancreatic Cancer UK operates a Freephone ‘Support Line’ which is a lifeline for thousands of patients, families and friends. Available to anyone affected by pancreatic cancer. The Pancreatic cancer specialist nurses understand the issues that individuals might be facing and can support people in coping with pancreatic cancer. They can provide individual specialist information about pancreatic cancer, treatment options and managing symptoms and side effects. As a listening ear, they can also help with your concerns and provide support and discuss sensitive issues with respect and acceptance.

Contact Details – Further Information:

Pancreatic Cancer UK

6th Floor Westminster Tower

3 Albert Embankment

London, England SE1 7SP

Tel: 020 3535 7090

Email: enquiries@pancreaticcancer.org.uk

Website: http://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/

Confidential Freephone Support: 0808 801 0707

Pancreatic Cancer Action

Pancreatic Cancer Action is another leading charity in the field with a focus on improving early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and improving the quality of life for those affected by pancreatic cancer. They are on a mission to stamp out late detection which is the reason that the survival rate has remained at between 2% – 4% for nearly 50 years.

Contact Details – Further Information:

Pancreatic Cancer Action Unit 9, Oakhanger Business Park, Oakhanger, Hampshire, GU35 9JA

Tel: 0303 040 1770

Website: www.pancreaticcanceraction.org

Visit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Website to obtain free fundraising and awareness materials on the link below:

https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/support-us/shop/

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

17LTB598 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month November 2017 and World Pancreatic Cancer Day Thursday 16 November 2017

Pancreatic cancer: An overview of diagnosis and treatment

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