Pancreatic Cancer Warning Signs: Symptoms Often Missed Until It’s Advanced
The pancreas is a large gland that produces digestive juices and key hormones. It sits in the upper part of your abdomen, positioned behind the stomach.
Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably. It is the tenth most common cancer in the UK. Sadly, it is often not detected early because symptoms typically do not appear until the disease has progressed past the stage where early treatment is most effective.
In many cases, noticeable symptoms begin only once the cancer is more advanced. Even then, the warning signs can be vague and easily confused with symptoms caused by other, more common conditions.
Symptoms can also differ depending on where the cancer develops within the pancreas—whether in the head, body, or tail.
The most common form of pancreatic cancer is ductal adenocarcinoma, which begins in the cells responsible for producing digestive juices.
According to Cancer Research UK, some of the most common signs include:
Pain in the stomach or back
Persistent or unexplained pain in the abdomen that may spread into the back can be a warning sign of pancreatic cancer. This discomfort is often worse after eating. In the early stages, the pain may come and go, but as a tumor grows, it may become more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting.
Jaundice
Many people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer develop jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This happens when bilirubin—a pigment produced by the liver—builds up in the body. Jaundice may occur because a tumour blocks the bile duct.
Weight loss
Unexplained or significant weight loss, especially without changes in diet or activity, can be a general sign of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
Digestive problems
Issues such as indigestion, loose stools, or stools that look oily and have a strong smell can occur if cancer disrupts the pancreas’s ability to produce digestive enzymes properly.
Bowel changes
If the pancreatic duct becomes blocked, it can lead to steatorrhoea, also known as fatty stools. This may indicate that the body is not absorbing food effectively. Other bowel changes may include diarrhoea or constipation.
New-onset diabetes
In some cases, pancreatic cancer can interfere with insulin production, leading to diabetes in people who were not previously diabetic.
Fatigue
As with many cancers, ongoing tiredness and low energy can be symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer.
Blood clots
A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can increase the risk of developing blood clots. One common type is deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Fever and shivering
If you develop jaundice or inflammation of the pancreas, you may also experience occasional fevers along with chills or shivering.
Itching
Jaundice can also cause itchy skin due to increased bile salts in the bloodstream.
Although the exact cause of pancreatic cancer cannot be identified with certainty, several risk factors are associated with it. These include smoking, obesity, age, and genetic factors, among others.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. For personalized guidance, always consult your doctor.
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