A caring father who disregarded his back pain as a normal part of aging tragically passed away only three weeks later. Geoff Follin, a former teacher turned music instructor, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May of last year after experiencing back pain and indigestion since February 2024. Despite attributing these symptoms to his age, the 58-year-old’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his untimely death shortly after being diagnosed.

Geoff’s wife, Nicola Follin, shared the heart-wrenching moment they learned of his diagnosis. She expressed their shock and devastation upon hearing the news, recalling the rapid decline in Geoff’s health. The couple, residing in Upholland village, Skelmersdale, have three children: Sam, 21, Isobel, 19, and Daisy, 17, who was preparing for her GCSE exams when her father’s health took a turn for the worse.

Geoff’s health worsened swiftly, ultimately resulting in his passing just days after their 21st wedding anniversary. Pancreatic Cancer UK reports that the elusive symptoms of pancreatic cancer often lead to late-stage detection, with up to 80% of cases being diagnosed after the disease has already spread.

In a bid to raise awareness and support, Nicola shared Geoff’s story in conjunction with the launch of a national clinical trial for a groundbreaking breath test developed by Imperial College London. The trial, funded by Pancreatic Cancer UK, aims to progress the test to a multi-center validation study, a pivotal step before seeking regulatory approval and potential adoption by the NHS.

The breath test, which has shown promising results in initial studies, could revolutionize the early detection of pancreatic cancer, potentially saving thousands of lives annually. By simply analyzing volatile organic compounds present in a patient’s breath, the test offers hope for improved screening and timely intervention for individuals at risk of the disease.

Geoff’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for early detection methods for pancreatic cancer, a disease known for its high fatality rates. The hope is that advancements in medical technology, such as the innovative breath test, will provide a ray of hope for individuals and families affected by this devastating illness.