November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month a crucial time to shine a light on one of the most challenging cancers to detect early. Often called a “silent killer,” pancreatic cancer frequently develops without distinct symptoms until later stages.
However, there are subtle, non-specific signs that, while often mistaken for less serious ailments like indigestion or back pain, warrant immediate medical attention, especially if they are persistent or unexplained. Recognizing these early warnings and understanding how to lower your risk is the most powerful tool we have in fighting this disease.
7 Early Signs You Should Never Ignore
While these symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, persistent or unusual presentation should prompt a discussion with your doctor.
1. Unexplained Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)
This is often one of the most recognizable symptoms. Jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin a substance in bile when a tumor in the pancreas blocks the bile duct. Along with the yellowing of skin and eyes, it can cause:
- Dark Urine: Your pee may become dark brown.
- Pale or Clay-Colored Stools: Stools may lose their normal brown color.
- Itchy Skin: The buildup of bile salts in the skin can lead to intense itching. (Cleveland Clinic, WebMD)
2. Persistent Abdominal or Mid-Back Pain
A dull, gnawing pain in the upper abdomen that sometimes radiates to the mid-back is a common sign. This pain is often caused by the tumor pressing on nearby nerves or organs. It may feel worse after eating or when lying down and slightly better when leaning forward. (MD Anderson Cancer Center, WebMD)
3. Unintentional Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite
Losing a noticeable amount of weight (e.g., more than 10 pounds over 3 to 6 months) without changing your diet or exercise routine is a concerning sign. This may be due to the cancer affecting the body’s ability to use calories or nutrients, or due to a lack of appetite caused by the tumor’s impact on digestion. (MD Anderson Cancer Center, PanCAN)
4. Sudden Onset of Diabetes or Changes in Blood Sugar
Pancreatic cancer can destroy the cells that produce insulin, leading to a sudden, new diagnosis of diabetes in adults over 50, especially if they have no other risk factors for the disease. Diabetics who suddenly experience difficulty controlling previously stable blood sugar levels should also be evaluated. (PanCAN, Cleveland Clinic)
5. Changes in Bowel Habits (Steatorrhea)
If the cancer prevents the pancreas from releasing enough digestive enzymes, the body can’t properly break down fats. This results in steatorrhea: stools that are large, pale, foul-smelling, oily, and may float in the toilet. Diarrhea or constipation may also occur. (WebMD, Cleveland Clinic)
6. Persistent Indigestion, Nausea, or Vomiting
If a tumor is pressing on the end of the stomach, it can cause feelings of nausea, vomiting, and early satiety (feeling full quickly). These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as acid reflux or simple indigestion, but if they persist or do not respond to typical medication, seek medical advice. (WebMD, Cleveland Clinic)
7. Unexplained Fatigue and Weakness
Feeling constantly and severely tired, regardless of how much you rest, is a general but common symptom of many cancers, including pancreatic cancer. If fatigue is overwhelming and accompanied by any other symptoms on this list, it should be investigated. (WebMD, PanCAN)
How Can We Reduce Our Risk?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatic cancer, you can significantly reduce your risk by addressing the modifiable risk factors.
- Quit Smoking (and All Tobacco Use): Tobacco use is the single most important controllable risk factor, associated with about 20-30% of all pancreatic cancer cases. The risk begins to drop once a person stops smoking, eventually equaling that of a non-smoker after about 20 years. (American Cancer Society, PanCAN)
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity (Body Mass Index or BMI > 30) is a clear risk factor. Carrying excess weight around the waistline may also increase risk, even in people who are not obese overall. (American Cancer Society, PanCAN)
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use is a major cause of chronic pancreatitis, which significantly increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Limiting intake is crucial for prevention. (Cancer Research UK, MDPI)
- Eat a Balanced, Healthy Diet: Following an eating pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting red and processed meats, is associated with a lower risk. (Cleveland Clinic, PanCAN)
- Manage Existing Health Conditions: Work with your doctor to effectively manage conditions like Type 2 diabetes and chronic pancreatitis, as these are known risk factors. (American Cancer Society, Cleveland Clinic)
Remember: Awareness is Key
Because the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be vague, awareness and early action are critical. If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer or other genetic syndromes that increase your risk, discuss surveillance and genetic testing options with your healthcare provider.
Don’t ignore subtle changes in your body. If you experience any of the signs listed above for more than a few weeks, especially the sudden onset of jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or persistent pain, make an urgent appointment to see your doctor.
References
- American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors. Retrieved from cancer.org
- Cancer Research UK. (n.d.). Risks and causes of pancreatic cancer. Retrieved from cancerresearchuk.org
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. Retrieved from clevelandclinic.org
- MD Anderson Cancer Center. (n.d.). ‘How I knew I had pancreatic cancer’: 3 survivors share their symptoms. Retrieved from mdanderson.org
- MDPI. (2023, June 20). Pancreatic Cancer: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention. (S. M. Di Nardo et al.). Retrieved from mdpi.com
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). (n.d.). Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors. Retrieved from pancan.org
- WebMD. (n.d.). Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms: Early Warning Signs. Retrieved from webmd.com
