Pancreatic Cancer Warning Signs & Symptoms

According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH), approximately 1.6% of people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at some time in their life.

“The earlier pancreatic cancer is caught, the better the chance a person has of surviving five years after being diagnosed.” – NIH

There are no early detection methods, and only 9% of cases are diagnosed in stage 1.

For that reason, it’s important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer so it can be caught as early as possible.

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Source: pancan.org

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer may cause only vague unexplained symptoms. Pain (usually in the abdomen or back), weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes) with or without itching, loss of appetite, nausea, change in stool, pancreatitis and recent-onset diabetes are symptoms that may indicate pancreatic cancer. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, we urge you to speak to your doctor immediately and reference pancreatic cancer.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pancreatic NETs or PNETs)?

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare, accounting for about 7 percent of all pancreatic tumors. PNETs may cause the pancreas to overproduce hormones. High levels of these hormones in the blood result in symptoms such as weight loss, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and skin rash. Learn more about the symptoms of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Abdominal Bloating (Ascites)

Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. This extra fluid causes the belly to become swollen and distended. Learn more about ascites.

Pain (Usually in the Abdomen or Back)

Pain in the upper abdomen or mid-back may be caused by the tumor pushing against or invading nerves or organs near the pancreas. Pain can also result if the tumor blocks the digestive tract. Learn more about pancreatic cancer-related pain.

Digestive Problems

Poor appetite, indigestion and nausea are common in people with pancreatic cancer. Some or all of these symptoms may occur when a tumor in the pancreas presses against the stomach or first portion of the small intestine. If this happens, food may remain in the stomach and cause several digestive difficulties, including nausea and vomiting. Digestive symptoms can also occur due to blockage of the pancreatic duct through which the pancreatic enzymes flow or due to changes in pancreatic enzyme production. Many cancer sufferers choose to use something like CBD oil UK in order to help ease symptoms caused by cancer. It can also help them to feel a bit more normal and get their appetite back after undergoing chemo. Cannabis products are well known to stimulate the appetite back and bring a positive change for those looking for weight restoration (refer to this blog from New York Street Food to learn more).

Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by excess bilirubin (a component of bile) in the blood. A tumor in the head of the pancreas can cause narrowing of the bile duct and block the bile flowing from the gallbladder into the small intestine. Blockage of the bile duct causes a buildup of bilirubin. People with jaundice may also experience itchiness of the skin, abnormally dark urine and light or clay-colored stools.

Changes in Stools

Many pancreatic cancer patients experience diarrhea, constipation or both. Diarrhea consisting of loose, watery, oily or foul-smelling stools can be caused by insufficient amounts of pancreatic enzymes in the intestines. This leads to malabsorption as undigested food passes quickly through the digestive tract. Constipation is also a common problem, particularly in patients taking pain medications. These medications slow the passage of food through the intestines. If the digestive system works too slowly, it can cause stools to become dry, hard and difficult to pass.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Cancer-induced weight loss (also known as cancer cachexia) is a complex problem that affects the way the body uses calories and protein. Cancer cachexia can cause the body to burn more calories than usual, break down muscle and decrease appetite. A person may also notice a change in appetite or desire for certain foods.

Blood Clots

Cancer causes changes in the blood that can increase the likelihood of forming clots. Blood clots may go unnoticed and cause no symptoms. However, they are often associated with swelling, pain and tenderness in the affected area.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not make, or properly use, a pancreatic hormone called insulin. Insulin helps the body use glucose (sugar) efficiently. Research suggests that a sudden onset of type 2 diabetes in people age 50 or older may be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, especially in those who have a low body mass index (BMI), experience continuous weight loss or do not have a family history of diabetes. A sudden change in blood sugar levels in diabetics who previously had well-controlled diabetes may also be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Learn more about diabetes and pancreatic cancer.

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If you or a loved one have been experiencing any of these symptoms, you should speak with your doctor.

Recently Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer?

Our pancreatic cancer resource library has information on questions to ask your oncologist as well as actionable steps you can take towards selecting the best treatment for your unique cancer.