There are more than 200 types of cancer that can affect the human body. Some are more well known than others and can also present with far more obvious warning signs.
However, others might have difficult-to-spot symptoms – or can even remain symptomless, giving them the nickname of a “silent killer”. This is the case with pancreatic cancer, a particularly deadly form of the disease.
The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen, just behind the stomach. Its main functions are to help with the digestion of food and control blood sugar.
Pancreatic is the 10th most common type of cancer in the UK, but the fifth most deadly. It accounts for almost 10,000 deaths every year – or 26 a day.
Part of what makes the disease so deadly is the fact that it can be asymptomatic. Or symptoms can be “hard to spot”, the NHS says.
This means that a crucial diagnosis can be missed.
But experts have shared four important warning signs of pancreatic cancer to look out for that could help your doctor diagnose it earlier – including one that can appear on the skin.
As reported by The Mirror, these are:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Bleeding in the stomach or intestine
- Increased thirst
- Dark yellow urine.
These were highlighted as key symptoms of pancreatic cancer following a scientific study conducted in 2021.
One of the study authors Dr Weiqi Liao – a data scientist at the University of Oxford, explained: “When pancreatic cancer is diagnosed earlier, patients have a higher chance of survival.
“It is possible to diagnose patients when they visit their GP, but both patients and GPs need to be aware of the symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer.”
As part of the study a total of 23 symptoms were actually confirmed as being linked to pancreatic cancer.
As well as the four already mentioned these were:
- Problems swallowing
- Diarrhoea
- Change in bowel habits
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Abdominal mass
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Fat in stool
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Heartburn
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Appetite loss
- Itching
- Back pain.
Commenting on the results, Doctor Pippa Corrie, consultant medical oncologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, added: “Being aware of the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer is crucial if we are to diagnose patients earlier and improve pancreatic cancer survival.
“This research could help GPs and their patients know more about the signs of pancreatic cancer. It’s vital that people speak to their GP if they notice these symptoms.”
If you experience any symptoms of pancreatic cancer you should speak to your GP.
It is not always clear why someone develops pancreatic cancer but you are at higher risk for the disease if you:
- Are over the age of 65 – it’s not very common in people under 40
- Have certain medical conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis
- There’s a history of pancreatic cancer in your family.
Certain lifestyle factors can also increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Therefore, to lower your risk the NHS recommends you:
- Try to lose weight if you’re overweight
- Cut down on how much red and processed meat (such as ham, bacon and salami) you eat
- Try to cut down on alcohol – avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
- Try to quit smoking.