A doctor has urged people to look out for three red flag signs of a deadly cancer that kills almost 10,000 Brits every year. According to statistics from Cancer Research UK, pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common form of cancer in the UK.
However, it is the fifth most common cause of cancer death, accounting for six percent of all cancer deaths.
This means it has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers after diagnosis.
The reason is because it can often go unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. With this in mind, Doctor Alexis Missick from UK Meds has shared the key symptoms of pancreatic cancer to look for.
She listed the first signs to spot as unexpected weight loss, jaundice and back pain or stomach pain.
Unexpected weight loss
Dr Missick explained: “If you find yourself shedding pounds without a clear reason, such as changes in diet or exercise, it’s cause for concern. This weight loss occurs because pancreatic cancer can affect your body’s ability to digest food properly. Weight loss is highly prevalent among pancreatic cancer patients.”
Jaundice
She continued: “If you find that your skin and eyes are becoming more yellow in complexion, your urine is a darker shade of yellow or orange and your stools are pale in colour, this is another early cause for concern. Jaundice occurs when pancreatic cancer blocks the bile ducts, affecting the flow of bile.”
Back and stomach pain
“If you’re experiencing stomach pain or back pain that initially comes and goes and is exacerbated after eating or lying down, this is another early indicator of potential pancreatic cancer,” she said. “This pain often becomes more noticeable as the tumour grows.”
If you experience any of the above early symptoms, it’s vital to consult your doctor as soon as you can to get advice.
She warned that pancreatic cancer may manifest with several follow-on symptoms, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Digestive problems
- New-onset diabetes
Dr Missick said: “Pancreatic cancer symptoms typically become noticeable when the disease is in its later stages after the tumour has invaded surrounding tissues or spread to distant organs. This is one of the reasons why early detection of pancreatic cancer is challenging and why routine check-ups with your doctor or GP are so important.
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“It emphasises the importance of being vigilant about your health, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of pancreatic cancer or smoking.”
She warned that pancreatic cancer symptoms could be mistaken for a less serious condition such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), diverticulitis (intestinal inflammation), heartburn and reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease), gallbladder disease, muscular pain and peptic ulcers.
“That’s why it’s crucial not to jump to conclusions but to consult a healthcare professional when these symptoms arise,” she added. “A proper diagnosis is the key to distinguishing pancreatic cancer from other ailments.
“You should visit your GP or call NHS 111 at the first sign of pancreatic cancer symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time.”
