This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-22015175

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Author Iain Banks has terminal cancer Author Iain Banks has terminal cancer
(35 minutes later)
Author Iain Banks has revealed that he has late stage cancer and is unlikely to live for more than a year.Author Iain Banks has revealed that he has late stage cancer and is unlikely to live for more than a year.
The Scottish writer posted a message on his official website saying his next novel The Quarry, due to be published later this year, would be his last.The Scottish writer posted a message on his official website saying his next novel The Quarry, due to be published later this year, would be his last.
The 59-year-old's novels include The Wasp Factory, The Crow Road, Complicity and the Culture series.The 59-year-old's novels include The Wasp Factory, The Crow Road, Complicity and the Culture series.
The statement said his health problems came to light when he saw his doctor, suffering from a sore back.The statement said his health problems came to light when he saw his doctor, suffering from a sore back.
He was diagnosed with jaundice, before further tests established the full extent of his illness.He was diagnosed with jaundice, before further tests established the full extent of his illness.
In the personal statement on his website, Banks said he had asked his partner Adele to marry him and was now on a short honeymoon.In the personal statement on his website, Banks said he had asked his partner Adele to marry him and was now on a short honeymoon.
Fellow Scottish author, Ian Rankin, said the news of Banks' terminal cancer was "just awful".Fellow Scottish author, Ian Rankin, said the news of Banks' terminal cancer was "just awful".
He Tweeted: "Typical of Iain to propose marriage to his partner Adele with the words 'Will you do me the honour of becoming my widow?"He Tweeted: "Typical of Iain to propose marriage to his partner Adele with the words 'Will you do me the honour of becoming my widow?"
Banks, who lives in North Queensferry, Fife, said he had cancelled all future public engagements.Banks, who lives in North Queensferry, Fife, said he had cancelled all future public engagements.
He said: "The bottom line now, I'm afraid, is that as a late-stage gall bladder cancer patient, I'm expected to live for 'several months' and it's extremely unlikely I'll live beyond a year.He said: "The bottom line now, I'm afraid, is that as a late-stage gall bladder cancer patient, I'm expected to live for 'several months' and it's extremely unlikely I'll live beyond a year.
"So it looks like my latest novel, The Quarry, will be my last.""So it looks like my latest novel, The Quarry, will be my last."
He said the disease had spread to both lobes of his liver, and possibly his pancreas and lymph nodes.He said the disease had spread to both lobes of his liver, and possibly his pancreas and lymph nodes.
He said there was little chance of surgeons being able to remove the tumours because of how far they had spread.He said there was little chance of surgeons being able to remove the tumours because of how far they had spread.
He has asked his publishers to bring forward the publication of his new book to "give me a better chance of being around when it hits the shelves."He has asked his publishers to bring forward the publication of his new book to "give me a better chance of being around when it hits the shelves."
Banks also praised NHS staff who have looked after him - and said he may undergo chemotherapy to extend his life when his jaundice clears up.Banks also praised NHS staff who have looked after him - and said he may undergo chemotherapy to extend his life when his jaundice clears up.
He said: "We're all just sorry the outcome hasn't been more cheerful."He said: "We're all just sorry the outcome hasn't been more cheerful."
Born in Fife, Banks studied at Stirling University before publishing his first novel, The Wasp Factory, in 1984.Born in Fife, Banks studied at Stirling University before publishing his first novel, The Wasp Factory, in 1984.
During his career he alternated between mainstream and science fiction novels, which he wrote under the name Iain M Banks.During his career he alternated between mainstream and science fiction novels, which he wrote under the name Iain M Banks.
In 2008, he was named one of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945 in a list compiled by The Times.In 2008, he was named one of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945 in a list compiled by The Times.
Taggart actor Colin McCredie is among the people who have expressed their shock on Twitter.
He wrote: "Sad news about Iain Banks and his illness. There was a period of about 5 years when his output was phenomenal!! Always loved Espedair Street."
Edinburgh Book Festival tweeted: "Such sad news. Iain Banks our thoughts are with you and your loved ones."
The Scottish Book Trust added: "We're all shocked and saddened by Iain Banks' news. We send our best wishes to him, his family and friends."