Pancreatic cancer is becoming more prevalent, it's important to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer. This disease is often detected at a late stage, which can make it difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis. Therefore, it's crucial to recognize the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer. Below I go over the 7 warning signs to watch out for pancreatic cancer
Abdominal Pain: If you're experiencing persistent pain in the upper abdomen or back that doesn't go away and is not relieved by medication, it may be a sign of pancreatic cancer. The pain can also be described as a dull ache that may worsen after eating or lying down. This type of pain can be caused by the tumor pressing on nerves or other organs in the abdomen.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes is a common sign of jaundice, which can be caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the body. A blocked bile duct can cause bilirubin to accumulate, which can lead to jaundice. Pancreatic cancer can cause a blockage of the bile duct, leading to jaundice.
Unexplained Weight Loss: If you're losing weight without trying and you're not sure why, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Weight loss can occur due to a loss of appetite, which is another symptom of pancreatic cancer. It can also occur due to the cancer cells using up the body's energy and nutrients.
Loss of Appetite: If you're not feeling hungry, and you're not sure why, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Loss of appetite can occur due to the tumor pressing on the stomach or due to changes in the way the body processes food. This can lead to a decrease in the amount of food you eat, which can lead to weight loss.
New-Onset Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer can cause diabetes to develop suddenly in people who have never had it before. The pancreas produces insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. If the tumor is in the part of the pancreas that produces insulin, it can cause a decrease in insulin production, leading to high blood sugar levels and diabetes.
Light Colored Stools: If you notice that your stools have become lighter in color or appear greasy, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that help break down food in the intestines. A tumor in the pancreas can block the bile duct which prevent bilirubin from getting to the small intestine. This makes it harder for your body to digest fats properly, which can affect the color and consistency of your stools.
Dark Urine: If your urine has become darker in color than usual, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. As I mentioned earlier, a blocked bile duct can cause bilirubin to accumulate in the body, leading to jaundice. This can cause your urine to become darker in color. Urine turns dark brown due to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. Dark urine sometimes is the first sign of jaundice.
It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to see a healthcare professional if you're experiencing any of these symptoms. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, for further evaluation.
In addition to these warning signs, certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing pancreatic cancer. These include a family history of pancreatic cancer, smoking, obesity, and chronic pancreatitis.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your risk for pancreatic cancer, please see your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in your outcome. Thank you for reading, and I hope you found this information helpful.
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