Pancreatic cancer is a deadly form of cancer that often goes undetected until it has progressed to its later stages.

The pancreas is a vital organ located behind the stomach, responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate blood sugar. As pancreatic cancer progresses, it can cause a variety of symptoms. However, these early warning signs are often overlooked or misattributed to other conditions.

If pancreatic cancer is caught early, it can be easier to treat, making it essential to be aware of the early warning signs.

1. Jaundice

One of the most common early warning signs of pancreatic cancer is jaundice. Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

It occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin, a waste product produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When the pancreas is affected by cancer, it can become enlarged and block the bile ducts, preventing bile from flowing properly. This leads to a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream and causes jaundice.

2. Upper Abdominal Pain

Persistent upper abdominal pain is another early warning sign of pancreatic cancer. This pain may be mild at first and then become more severe as the cancer grows. It can also be intermittent or constant, and may be worse after eating.

The pain may also radiate to the back or chest.

3. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss

As pancreatic cancer progresses, it can cause a decrease in appetite and unintended weight loss. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including the cancer disrupting the normal digestive process.

Additionally, the cancer can cause metabolic changes that cause the body’s metabolism to increase, leading to the breakdown of stored fat and muscle tissue.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Another early warning sign of pancreatic cancer is nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can occur due to the cancer disrupting the normal digestive process. They may be worsened by eating or drinking, and may become more severe as the cancer progresses.

5. Changes in Stool Color

Changes in stool color can also be an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer. If the bile ducts become blocked due to the cancer, it can cause stools to become pale or clay-colored.

Additionally, the cancer can cause a decrease in the production of digestive enzymes, leading to loose, greasy stools.

6. New-Onset Diabetes

A sudden onset of diabetes in people over 50 years old can be a warning sign of pancreatic cancer.

This can occur because the cancer can cause damage to the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin, leading to a decrease in insulin production and an increase in blood sugar levels.

7. Itchy Skin

Another early warning sign of pancreatic cancer is itchy skin. This occurs when bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream due to blocked bile ducts. The buildup of bilirubin can cause the skin to become dry and itchy.

8. Pale or Yellow Stools

If stools appear pale or yellow, it may be due to a lack of bile reaching the small intestine. This could be due to pancreatic cancer blocking the bile ducts.

9. Blood Clots

Blood clots can be an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer. The cancer cells can release substances that lead to an increase in blood clotting factors. This can cause blood clots to form in the legs or arms, or possibly in veins around the pancreas.

10. Fatigue

As pancreatic cancer progresses, it can cause fatigue. This can be due to a variety of factors, including decreased appetite and weight loss, metabolic changes, and the body’s immune system fighting the cancer cells.