Spot the signs of pancreatic cancer

Written by:

Dr Aathavan Loganayagam

Gastroenterologist

Published: 03/09/2018
Edited by: Laura Burgess

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Pancreatic cancer can be present without causing any symptoms at all. Initially, it’s silent and painless as it grows in the early stages. Symptoms might not appear until cancer affects other organs.

 Pancreatic cancer can cause signs and symptoms such as:
 

pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back loss of appetite nausea and vomiting weight loss changed bowel motions a bowel obstruction Jaundice - the liver’s bile duct is blocked with bile that has built up in the blood, which turns the skin and eyes yellow. depression blood clots enlarged lymph nodes in the neck bloating itching Severe back pain.
 

If cancer spreads, it can cause symptoms such as:
 

loss of energy loss of appetite high blood sugar - about 10% to 20% of people with pancreatic cancer develops diabetes.

There are many medical conditions and illnesses that can cause any or all of these symptoms. Your doctor can discuss your symptoms along with your medical history and may suggest tests for cancer or other conditions.

You should see your doctor immediately if you experience weight loss you can’t explain, severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or other symptoms that worry you.

 Developing pancreatic cancer may be prevented if you:

Stop smoking – talk to your doctor for advice on how to quit. They can suggest support groups and provide medications. Maintain a healthy weight – combining daily exercise with good food choices can aid in weight loss if you are overweight, or maintain your weight if already in the correct weight range. Eat a healthy diet – opting to eat a diet full of organic fruits and vegetables, lean meat and fish, whole grains and plenty of water. Eliminate processed foods, limit intake of red meat and alcohol, and try to avoid sugar and caffeine. See a specialist – if you have a family history of pancreatic cancer. A gastroenterologist can provide a check-up and a genetic test to understand your level of risk for the disease.