IT STRIKES around 8,500 people across the country every year and is known as the silent killer.

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to treat because it rarely produces symptoms until the disease is well advanced, resulting in a 95% mortality rate.

Now the family of a retired hairdresser from Hampshire are attempting to raise awareness of the condition.

Debbie Raffo, who has died aged 66, worked in the same salon for 44 years after answering a job advertisement in the Daily Echo.

She joined the La Ma hair studio in Fryern Arcade, Chandler's Ford, at the age of 15, eventually taking over the business and renaming it Raffo's when the owner retired.

Daily Echo:

Debbie, of Boyatt Wood, closed the salon in 2013 but continued to serve some of her regular customers by visiting them in their own homes.

She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December last year, just weeks after a cousin had died of the disease, and discovered it can be heredity.

Her sister, Sarah Tratt, of Eastleigh, said: "Throughout Debbie's illness she remained keen to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of the disease.

"Her cancer was inoperable because it had already spread to the duodenum. She started chemotherapy in the hope the cancer would shrink and an operation might become possible, but lost her battle on May 5."

Now her family are fulfilling Debbie's dying wish by continuing her mission to inform people about the disease.

Daily Echo:

Sarah said: "Pancreatic cancer is known as the silent killer. I'd like to make people aware of the signs and symptoms so there's a chance that cases can be caught early enough for an operation to be possible."

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth biggest cancer killer in England, with around 7,800 deaths every year. The five-year survival rate is just 6.9%.

Symptoms can include indigestion, depression, jaundice, pale and smelly stools, unexplained weight loss, upper abdominal pain and pain on eating.

Sarah said: "Debbie fought a very brave battle and thought of others until the end, including her wish to continue to raise awareness and thank all her clients for their custom."

Donations in her memory can be made to Pancreatic Cancer UK via Rogers Funeral Directors in Eastleigh.