Pancreatic Cancer: Know about the 10 most likely ignored symptoms of the deadly disease

Every year, pancreatic cancer is diagnosed among 10,500 people in the UK and some of the symptoms are often ignored due to being mistaken for another common disease. This further results in most people not taking the proper diagnosis of pancreatic cancer until the later stages of the disease.

The ignorance has made pancreatic cancer the deadliest form of cancer in the country and over 50% of people die within three months of its detection, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK. The official PCUK website has also noted that the most common risk factors of the disease are age, smoking, being overweight or obese, a family history of pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes. Moreover, in some cases, alcohol, unprocessed meat, and blood group are also some factors that increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

But what are the 10 most likely ignored symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?


According to PCUK, there are a number of symptoms of pancreatic cancer that are often ignored as any other common disease. Some of these symptoms can actually be due to other diseases, therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking any drastic measures. 10 of the most ignored symptoms of the common form of pancreatic cancer are explained below:

1. Indigestion

Indigestion causes a burning feeling in an individual’s chest and can lead to an unpleasant taste in the mouth. It can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer but also of any other common problem. PCUK has advised people to consult a physician in case of indigestion.

2. Stomach or back pain

Stomach pain, or back pain, or in some cases, both types of pain can be caused due to pancreatic cancer. The pain usually starts in the tummy before spreading to the back. It is pertinent to note that some people, who might suffer from pancreatic cancer, do not have any pain at all.

3. Loss of appetite

Losing weight is of course sometimes related to appetite loss, which is another easily-ignored pancreatic cancer symptom.

4. Jaundice

Signs of jaundice include yellow colour in skin, eyes, and urine as well as itchy skin. Some people might also feel tired, lose appetite and weight.

5. Itchiness

Your skin might become incredibly itchy before you develop jaundice because bile salts build up under the skin first.

6. Changes in bowel movements

Changes in bowel movements of an individual should also be noted when it comes to pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer can either lead to diarrhoea or constipation. In both cases, it becomes essential to contact a doctor if the reason is undetermined.

7. Newly-diagnosed diabetes

Diabetes is caused when the amount of sugar in the blood is higher than normal. Because the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which is responsible for controlling the blood sugar level, pancreatic cancer can cause diabetes.

8. Nausea

Feeling or being sick can be another pancreatic cancer symptom. If you witness nausea or vomiting for over 48 hours, PCUK advises people to contact NHS.

9. Weight loss

Losing weight without any significant reason can also be a symptom of pancreatic cancer. The pancreas plays an important role in digesting food and controlling the blood sugar level. Hence, pancreatic cancer can cause weight loss.

10. Blood clots

Blood clots are an uncommon pancreatic cancer symptom and one that would be seen in people who, for instance, are younger and non-smokers and so wouldn’t typically be at risk of clots.

FAQs:

1. What is Pancreatic Cancer?
   It is cancer that's found in the pancreas. It is the organ that helps digestion and makes hormones, such as insulin.
2. Can it be cured?
   Though the disease is mostly incurable, Pancreatic Cancer can be cured if caught very early.