Alan Rickman's widow warns about pancreatic cancer symptoms

Rima Horton marked the 10-year anniversary of Alan Rickman’s death and said pancreatic cancer symptoms are often hard to detect and diagnosed late; she is supporting fundraising with Pancreatic Cancer UK for research and a breathalyzer test.

Rima Horton spoke on the 10th anniversary of Alan Rickman's death about his experience with pancreatic cancer and the difficulty of diagnosing the disease early. She told BBC Breakfast, via The Independent, that symptoms are often hard to work out and frequently discovered too late. Horton said chemotherapy extended his life by about six months and that she is helping raise funds tied to research and an early-detection breathalyzer test. Key points: - Alan Rickman died on Jan. 14, 2016, after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer at age 69. - Horton said symptoms can be difficult to identify and that late diagnosis is a major problem. - Pancreatic Cancer UK is partnering on a fundraising effort that includes a drawing of seven Harry Potter hardcover books signed by cast members to raise money for research and specialist nurse support. - The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network reported a five-year survival rate of 13% for pancreatic cancers as of January 2026. Summary: Rima Horton’s remarks mark a renewed public focus on pancreatic cancer on the tenth anniversary of Rickman’s death. Fundraising efforts aim to support research and early-detection work; plans beyond current campaigns remain unclear.