Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, in part because by the time symptoms appear, the disease is often already well advanced.

Because of this, recognizing the warning signals of pancreatic cancer is essential to catching the disease as early as possible..

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas is important for the body’s digestive system and for regulating blood sugar.

Although it’s not entirely clear what causes pancreatic cancer, certain factors may increase the risk of developing the disease. These can include smoking, a family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity, and certain genetic syndromes.

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced stage. However, there are some warning signs to be aware of:.

Unexplained Weight Loss

If you’ve experienced significant weight loss without trying, this could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. This is because the cancer can affect the body’s ability to digest food, causing food to move too quickly through the digestive tract.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. This occurs when there is a buildup of a substance called bilirubin, which is normally processed by the liver and excreted in bile.

Pancreatic cancer can cause a blockage in the bile duct, which can cause bilirubin to build up in the body.

Abdominal Pain

Pancreatic cancer can cause pain in the middle or upper abdomen, which often radiates to the back. The pain can be severe and is often worse after eating.

Loss of Appetite

Pancreatic cancer can cause a loss of appetite, as well as feelings of nausea and vomiting. This can be because the body isn’t able to digest food properly, leading to feelings of nausea and loss of appetite.

Diabetes

In some cases, pancreatic cancer can affect the production of insulin, which can lead to diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes and suddenly find it difficult to control, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

New-Onset Diabetes

New-onset diabetes, which occurs when someone develops diabetes later in life, could also be a warning sign of pancreatic cancer. Because the pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, problems with the organ can lead to diabetes.

Fatigue

Pancreatic cancer can cause fatigue and weakness. This can be because the cancer affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, leading to lower energy levels.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, so experiencing one or more of them doesn’t necessarily mean you have pancreatic cancer.

However, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Early detection can often lead to more effective treatment.