Pancreatic Cancer: 10 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early because it may cause no symptoms at first, and the symptoms that do occur can resemble many common digestive or other illnesses. Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have pancreatic cancer, but persistent or unexplained changes deserve medical evaluation.
1. Yellow skin or eyes
Jaundice can cause the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It may also occur with itchy skin, dark urine, or unusually pale stools.
2. Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without intentionally changing your diet or activity can be a warning sign and should be investigated.
3. Upper abdominal pain
Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen can occur. In some people, it may extend toward the back.
4. Persistent back pain
Pancreatic cancer can cause pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back. Pain that is worse when lying down or eating and improves when leaning forward can occur.
5. Loss of appetite
A noticeable decrease in appetite can occur, sometimes alongside weight loss.
6. Nausea or vomiting
Digestive symptoms such as feeling sick or being sick can occur, although there are many more common causes.
7. Changes in bowel movements
Diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits can occur. Some people may also notice unusually pale stools.
8. Persistent indigestion or bloating
Indigestion, bloating, and other digestive discomfort can sometimes occur. These symptoms are common and usually have causes other than cancer.
9. Unusual tiredness
Persistent fatigue or a lack of energy can accompany pancreatic cancer, although fatigue has many possible causes.
10. Fever or feeling unusually hot, cold, or shivery
A fever or episodes of feeling hot, cold, or shivery can occur among the symptoms reported with pancreatic cancer.
When should you see a doctor?
Don’t try to diagnose pancreatic cancer from symptoms alone. If symptoms are persistent, worsening, unexplained, or unusual for you, arrange a medical evaluation. Noticeable unexplained weight loss deserves particular attention.
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) should be assessed urgently, particularly when accompanied by dark urine or pale stools.
There currently isn’t a routine screening test that can reliably detect pancreatic cancer early in people at average risk, so paying attention to persistent changes and getting them evaluated is important.
