Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer worldwide, but it’s also one of the deadliest. It accounts for only 3% of all cancers, but it’s responsible for about 7% of all cancer deaths.

The main reason it’s so deadly is because it’s usually detected at a late stage when it’s difficult to treat. Therefore, catching pancreatic cancer early is crucial to increase the chances of survival. In this article, we will discuss two warning signs that could indicate the early stage of pancreatic cancer.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen, and it’s responsible for producing enzymes that help with the digestion of food. Pancreatic cancer occurs when the cells in the pancreas start to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

The tumor can spread to nearby organs and tissues, making it difficult to remove. The two types of pancreatic cancer are:.

Exocrine Tumors

The majority of pancreatic cancer cases are exocrine tumors, which develop in the cells that produce digestive enzymes. The most common type of exocrine tumor is adenocarcinoma.

Endocrine Tumors

Endocrine tumors are less common and develop in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. The most common type of endocrine tumor is insulinoma.

Two Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer may not show any symptoms in its early stages. However, there are two warning signs that could indicate the early stage of pancreatic cancer:.

1. Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It occurs when the liver can’t remove bilirubin, a waste product that’s normally eliminated through the stool. When bilirubin builds up in the blood, it causes jaundice.

Pancreatic cancer can cause jaundice if the tumor is located near the bile ducts. The tumor can block the bile ducts, preventing bile from flowing to the small intestine. This can cause bile to back up into the liver and bloodstream, leading to jaundice.

Jaundice caused by pancreatic cancer is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.

2. Pain in the Abdomen or Back

Pain in the abdomen or back can be a warning sign of pancreatic cancer, especially if the pain is persistent and not relieved by medication. The pain is usually felt in the upper abdomen and may radiate to the back.

It’s caused by the tumor pressing on the surrounding tissues and nerves. The pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Other Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

In addition to jaundice and abdominal pain, there are other symptoms that may indicate pancreatic cancer, such as:.

Weight loss without trying
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
New-onset diabetes or high blood sugar
Bloating
Changes in bowel movements

How to Reduce the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

There’s no sure way to prevent pancreatic cancer, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, such as:.

Quit smoking
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a diet that’s low in fat and red meat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Exercise regularly
Limit alcohol consumption
Get vaccinated against hepatitis B

Conclusion

Catching pancreatic cancer early is crucial to increase the chances of survival. If you experience jaundice or persistent pain in the abdomen or back, consult your healthcare provider.

These warning signs could indicate the early stage of pancreatic cancer. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing your risk factors can help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. Remember, early detection is key in the fight against pancreatic cancer.