Pancreatic cancer is a serious and aggressive form of cancer that starts in the pancreas. It often goes undiagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat.

However, if you are aware of the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer, you may be able to catch it early and receive life-saving treatment. Here are the top warning signs of pancreatic cancer that you should be aware of:.

10 Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer

1. Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. It is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. In pancreatic cancer, the tumor can block the bile duct, which can cause bile to accumulate in the body.

This can lead to jaundice, which is one of the most common early warning signs of pancreatic cancer.

2. Abdominal Pain

Pancreatic cancer can cause pain in the upper abdomen or back. The pain may be constant or come and go. It can be dull or sharp and may get worse after eating or lying down.

If you experience persistent abdominal pain, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

If you are losing weight without trying, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. The cancer can cause a loss of appetite and interfere with digestion, which can lead to weight loss.

If you have lost more than 10% of your body weight in the past six months without trying, you should see your doctor.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Pancreatic cancer can cause nausea and vomiting. This can be due to the cancer itself, or it may be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If you are experiencing persistent nausea and vomiting, it’s important to see your doctor.

5. Changes in Stool

Changes in the color or consistency of your stool can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. If your stool is pale or greasy, it could be a sign that your body is not properly digesting fat. This can be due to a blockage in the bile duct caused by the tumor.

6. Diabetes

If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or your existing diabetes is getting harder to control, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

The tumor can interfere with the pancreas’s ability to produce insulin, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and diabetes.

7. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many illnesses, including pancreatic cancer. If you are feeling tired all the time, even after getting enough sleep, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out underlying health problems.

8. Itching

If you are experiencing persistent itching, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. The tumor can cause a buildup of bile in the bloodstream, which can lead to itching. If you are experiencing persistent itching, it’s important to see your doctor.

9. Swelling in the Legs

If you have swelling in your legs that is not caused by an injury, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. The cancer can cause a blockage in the abdomen, which can lead to fluid buildup in the legs.

10. Back Pain

If you are experiencing persistent back pain, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. The pain may be in the middle or lower back and may get worse after eating.

If you are experiencing persistent back pain, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out underlying health problems.

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer is a serious and life-threatening disease, but early detection can make a big difference in your chances of survival.

If you are experiencing any of the warning signs of pancreatic cancer, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. With early diagnosis and treatment, you can improve your chances of beating this deadly disease.