This month, all over the UK, thousands of people are lacing up their walking shoes and taking part in The Big Step Forward, a national fundraiser organised by Pancreatic Cancer UK. Participants are encouraged to walk a route of their choosing – whether around their neighbourhoods, local parks, or countryside paths – to raise awareness and funds in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Awareness and Fundraising are Vital
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late because early-stage symptoms are vague or mild. Raising public awareness helps people recognise and report symptoms sooner. And with sufficient investment, we can continue to develop better diagnostic tools, treatments, and, eventually, a cure.
By walking, chatting to friends and family, and sharing the cause online, anyone involved in The Big Step Forward can help spread the word – untangling misconceptions, breaking stigma, and bringing much-needed attention to a devastating disease.
Pancreatic Cancer Deserves More Focus
Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal of the common cancers, and this is because it often hides behind mild symptoms – or none at all – until it’s too late. The result of this is that over half of those diagnosed die within 3 months.
The common symptoms of pancreatic cancer, which start to noticeably appear only after the disease is at an advanced stage, include abdominal or back pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss and bowel changes.
The Risk Factors
It’s vital that more people become aware of the risk factors, so that they can take charge of their own health and take preventative measures.
Unfortunately, however, the main risk factor is age, with almost half of the new cases diagnosed in those aged 75 and over – so it’s even more important for people in this age group to be aware of the common symptoms and others, including persistent indigestion, nausea and vomiting.
The other risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol intake, being overweight or obese, chronic pancreatitis, a family history of pancreatic cancer, diabetes, gallstones and, in women, metabolic syndrome.
What is important is that anyone who is in a high-risk category and is concerned about any mild symptoms that could indicate pancreatic cancer – that they don’t wait! They need to go to their GP straight away and explain clearly, “I’m concerned it might be pancreatic cancer.” Early investigations – blood tests and imaging – could save their life.
How You Can Get Involved in The Big Step Forward
Choose Your Route
Pick your distance – from a short 5K around your local park to a 20K countryside walk. It’s flexible and fits your schedule.
Set Up a Fundraising Page
Pancreatic Cancer UK provides easy-to-use online tools, so you can collect donations from family, friends, and colleagues.
Share Your Story
Use social media or local community groups to talk about why you’re taking part. It spreads awareness and may even prompt someone to share their own experience or symptoms.
Walk Locally, But Think Nationally
Whether you’re walking in a village, town, or major city, every step adds up. Walkers across the UK are making a collective impact – raising awareness and funding desperately needed research.
One person’s walk may seem small, but combined efforts have a huge effect.
Wrapping Up – Every Step Saves Lives
This July 2025, the Big Step Forward brings people together to raise their voices and funds – through thousands of individual steps.
So, if you’re reading this and thinking, “I could do a walk,” head on over to The Big Step Forward website: https://www.thebigstepforward.org.uk/the-event
Why not join the effort? Walk for a friend, family member, or simply because pancreatic cancer shouldn’t have the final say.
Initiatives like The Big Step Forward are fantastic for raising funds and increasing awareness, but there is still a long way to go before a big transformation occurs – from late diagnosis and low survival rates to awareness, breakthroughs, and hope. We would like to see a future where pancreatic cancer is not the death sentence it currently is.
So, let’s make July the month we take the biggest strides yet in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Spread the word!
