When Lee Rawlinson, a 51-year-old marathon runner and devoted father, began experiencing a minor discomfort in his stomach, he brushed it off as nothing serious. After all, how could something so small disrupt the life of someone so strong and active? But that seemingly harmless symptom turned out to be a warning sign of something far more devastating.
Now, as Lee faces an unimaginable reality, he’s sharing his story with one urgent message: don’t ignore your body’s signals—no matter how insignificant they seem. His journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the smallest symptoms can hide the biggest truths.
The Symptom That Was Easy to Overlook
In January, Lee Rawlinson began experiencing a persistent dull ache in his lower abdomen. As a seasoned marathon runner, he attributed this discomfort to stress or perhaps his rigorous training regimen. “I just thought it was stress-related,” Lee admitted.
However, by September, the pain had intensified to an unbearable degree. “I was taking painkillers every day, and co-codamol, and it wasn’t touching the sides,” he recalled. “If you can imagine a scaffolding pole and someone slowly pushing it through you, right through to your back, it was like that.”
This escalation led Lee to seek emergency medical attention, where he received the devastating diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer. The cancer had already spread to his liver, making it inoperable and leaving him with only months to live.
Lee’s experience underscores a critical issue: the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often subtle and easily dismissed. According to the Mayo Clinic, pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until the disease is advanced. When they do occur, signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain that radiates to the back, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, light-colored stools, and dark-colored urine.
A study published by the American Cancer Society highlights the challenges in early detection, noting that pancreatic cancer is hard to find early. The pancreas is deep inside the body, so early tumors can’t be seen or felt during routine physical exams. People usually have no symptoms until the cancer has become very large or has already spread to other organs.
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer arises when cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The pancreas, located behind the stomach, plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. This type of cancer is particularly aggressive and often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage.
Types of Pancreatic Cancer
There are two primary types of pancreatic cancer:
- Exocrine Tumors: The most common form, accounting for about 95% of cases. These tumors affect the exocrine glands responsible for producing digestive enzymes.
- Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): Less common, these tumors develop in the endocrine cells that produce hormones like insulin. NETs tend to have a better prognosis compared to exocrine tumors.
Pancreatic cancer is often dubbed the “silent killer” because its early symptoms are subtle and easily overlooked. Common signs include:
- Abdominal Pain: Discomfort in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back. Lee Rawlinson described his pain as feeling like “a scaffolding pole and someone slowly pushing it through you, right through to your back.”
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without changes in diet or exercise.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, often without accompanying pain.
- Digestive Issues: Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and changes in stool.
These symptoms are often mistaken for less severe conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis. According to Cancer Research UK, pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the UK, with around 10,500 people diagnosed each year. However, it is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring its severity.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer:
- Age: More than 45% of cases are diagnosed in individuals aged 75 and over.
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly elevates risk.
- Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas.
- Family History: A history of pancreatic cancer in close relatives.
- Obesity: Excess body weight has been linked to a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates among major cancers. The five-year survival rate is approximately 7-9%, largely due to late-stage diagnoses. Early detection is critical but challenging, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prompt medical attention for persistent, unexplained symptoms.
Lee’s Message: Don’t Ignore Small Signs
Image Credits: Instagram @rawly2010
Lee Rawlinson’s journey from experiencing a minor abdominal ache to facing terminal pancreatic cancer serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of heeding our body’s signals, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Initially dismissing his discomfort as stress-related, Lee now reflects on the consequences of overlooking such symptoms.
“I just thought it was stress-related,” Lee admitted, recalling the dull ache that began in January. By September, the pain had intensified to an unbearable degree, leading to his diagnosis on Halloween. “If you can imagine a scaffolding pole and someone slowly pushing it through you, right through to your back, it was like that,” he described.
Lee’s experience underscores a critical issue: the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer are often subtle and easily dismissed. According to Cancer Research UK, pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the UK, with around 10,500 people diagnosed each year. However, it is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring its severity.
Lee’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of paying attention to persistent, u, no matter how minor they may seem. Early detection is crucial in improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer, a disease that remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer.
In light of his experience, Lee urges others to be vigilant and proactive about their health. le to sit up and listen and think, what can we do for this not to destroy another young family’s life?” he emphasized.
His message is clear:
- Listen to Your Body: Don’t dismiss persistent symptoms as trivial.
- Seek Medical Advice: Consult healthcare professionals when something feels off.
- Advocate for Early Detection: Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
By sharing his story, Lee hopes to raise awareness about the subtle signs of pancreatic cancer and encourage others to take prompt action, potentially saving lives and preventing other families from facing similar heartbreak.
Making the Most of Time Left
Facing a terminal diagnosis, Lee Rawlinson is channeling his energy into creating cherished memories with his family. Determined to make his remaining time meaningful, he has planned special experiences for his wife, Faye, and their children, Darcey and Marley.
One of the family’s most anticipated adventures is a trip to Lapland. Lee shared his excitement: “The kids have never been on a plane before, so they’re going to fly for the first time and look out the window and see snow, and I’m going to see their reaction. It’s going to be amazing.”
In addition to the Lapland trip, the family has received VIP tickets to an Arsenal football match, allowing them to share in one of Lee’s passions. These experiences are not just about the activities themselves but about the lasting memories they will create together.
Lee’s focus on family time aligns with research highlighting the importance of quality of life for terminally ill patients. Studies have shown that engaging in meaningful activities and spending time with loved ones can significantly enhance emotional well-being during end-of-life care.
Despite the challenges, Lee remains resolute in his mission to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. He hopes that by sharing his story, others will be prompted to seek medical advice for unusual symptoms, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes. “I want to get people to sit up and listen and think, what can we do for this not to destroy another young family’s life?” he emphasized.
Raising Awareness for Change
Confronted with a terminal diagnosis, Lee Rawlinson has transformed his personal battle into a mission to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. He emphasizes the critical need for early detection and advocates for increased research funding to combat this aggressive disease.
“Survival for pancreatic cancer has barely improved since the 1970s, and it’s got to change,” Lee stated. “I want to get people to sit up and listen and think, what can we do for this not to destroy another young family’s life?”
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of only 11%.
This high mortality rate is largely due to late-stage diagnoses, as early symptoms are often subtle and overlooked.
Efforts to improve early detection are underway. For instance, the Early Diagnosis Research Alliance, established in 2018, brings together experts aiming to develop new tools for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.
Additionally, the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium focuses on identifying high-risk individuals and advancing early diagnosis research.
An Unforgettable Message for Us All
Lee Rawlinson’s story is one of courage, resilience, and love. Faced with terminal pancreatic cancer, Lee has chosen to use his remaining time to make lasting memories with his family while spreading a critical message: no symptom is too small to ignore.
His plea resonates deeply: “Survival for pancreatic cancer has barely improved since the 1970s, and it’s got to change. I want people to sit up and listen and think, what can we do for this not to destroy another young family’s life?” Lee’s bravery in raising awareness for this deadly disease highlights the urgent need for better research, early detection tools, and increased public understanding.
Though his time may be limited, Lee’s mission to inspire others to act on even the smallest signs of illness leaves behind a legacy of awareness and hope—a gift that could save lives.
His story serves as a reminder to listen to your body, cherish every moment, and advocate for change.
Featured image from Instagram @rawly2010
