Pancreatic cancer is a serious and often life-threatening disease that affects thousands of individuals every year. It has a low survival rate, mainly because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. This means that being aware of the signs and symptoms can help detect it early, increasing the chances of successful treatment. These are the ten signs of pancreatic cancer that you should never ignore and what you need to know about this deadly type of cancer.
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is an essential organ located in the abdomen that plays a crucial role in digestion and hormone production. The pancreas is responsible for producing enzymes that help break down food and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. It also produces insulin, which is needed to convert glucose into energy. (1) Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is called adenocarcinoma, which accounts for about 95% of all cases. This type of cancer usually starts in the ducts that carry digestive juices from the pancreas to the small intestine. Other types of pancreatic cancer include neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), which are less common and tend to grow slowly; and cystic tumors, which are usually benign but can become cancerous over time. It is important to understand the early signs and symptoms of this disease in order to seek medical attention promptly.
10 Signs of Pancreatic Cancer You Should Never Ignore
10 Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
The reason why pancreatic cancer is often so deadly is simply because it is not caught until it is in the later stages of the disease. This is because symptoms can be difficult to spot, or may not even present themselves until the illness is already more advanced. Understanding the risk factors and symptoms of this cancer will help you to seek intervention early, vastly improving treatment outcomes. These are the 10 most common signs of pancreatic cancer (3):
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss isn’t always a good thing, especially when it isn’t planned for. Sudden and unintentional weight loss, especially if accompanied by a loss of appetite, can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer.
2. Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and eyes can occur due to the buildup of bilirubin, a pigment produced by the liver. This can be a sign that pancreatic cancer is blocking the bile duct.
3. Abdominal Pain
Chronic or unexplained abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back, can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. The pain can be mild or severe and may worsen after eating.
4. Digestive Problems
Pancreatic cancer can affect the ability of the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, leading to indigestion, diarrhea, or oily, foul-smelling stools.
5. New-Onset Diabetes
Pancreatic cancer can disrupt the production of insulin, resulting in the onset of diabetes in individuals who have not previously had the condition.
Read More: Survey: Only 1% Of People Know The Tell-Tale Signs Of Some Of The Deadliest Cancers
6. Changes in Stool
Pale, greasy, or floating stools may indicate an issue with the pancreas, which can be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
7. Fatigue
Persistent fatigue and a lack of energy can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer. It may be caused by a variety of factors, including anemia or the cancer itself.
8. Back Pain
Constant or progressive back pain can be a sign that pancreatic cancer has spread to the nerves and tissue surrounding the pancreas.
9. Blood Clots
Pancreatic cancer can increase the risk of developing blood clots, which may present as pain, redness, swelling, or warmth in the affected area.
10. Gastrointestinal Issues
Nausea, vomiting, or a frequent feeling of fullness after eating small amounts of food can be symptoms of pancreatic cancer, particularly if they are persistent.
