A caring father who downplayed his back pain as a normal part of aging tragically passed away just three weeks later. Geoff Follin, a former teacher who became a music instructor, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May of last year. Despite experiencing back pain and indigestion since February 2024, the 58-year-old attributed these symptoms to aging. His sudden death within a month of diagnosis shocked his family.
Nicola Follin, Geoff’s wife from Upholland village in Skelmersdale, recounted the heartbreaking moment they learned of his diagnosis. Nicola, 49, expressed their shock upon hearing the word “pancreas,” realizing the severity of the situation. After being discharged home with hospice care, they originally believed they had more time left. Unfortunately, Geoff’s health rapidly declined, leading to his passing shortly after their 21st wedding anniversary.
The couple’s three children, Sam (21), Isobel (19), and Daisy (17), were deeply affected by the situation. Geoff’s health deteriorated swiftly, and he succumbed just days after their anniversary, leaving the family devastated. Pancreatic Cancer UK highlights the challenge of detecting the disease early, as 80% of cases remain undetected until cancer has spread.
To support a new clinical trial for a breath test, Nicola shared Geoff’s story. The trial, developed by Imperial College London, aims to detect pancreatic cancer early. Pancreatic Cancer UK’s substantial investment will elevate the test to a multi-center validation study, a crucial step before potential NHS adoption. The trial will involve over 6,000 patients and establish trial sites across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Geoff underwent ultrasound and CT scans, but the diagnosis of terminal cancer came unexpectedly during a hospital visit. Nicola expressed regret at not being aware of pancreatic cancer earlier, emphasizing the potential life-saving impact of the breath test. The revolutionary test, which analyzes breath samples for volatile organic compounds, could significantly improve early detection and treatment outcomes for thousands of patients annually.
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