Pancreatic Cancer: Two Early Signs of an Often Fatal Cancer

 

1. Persistent abdominal or back pain

My father initially complained of back problems, which he attributed to his posture and age. But the pain persisted, spread to his upper abdomen, and worsened at night or after meals.

This type of dull, radiating pain, especially when it persists or intensifies, is a common early sign of pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, it is often mistaken for minor digestive or muscular problems.
2. Rapid and unexplained weight loss
In three weeks, my father lost more than five kilos without any effort. His appetite disappeared and he became fatigued. We attributed it to stress, but it was the cancer that interfered with his pancreas’s role in digestion.

Sudden weight loss without a clear cause is a warning sign and should always be a reason for medical evaluation.

Other warning signs to watch for

Although pain and weight loss are the most characteristic symptoms, other symptoms may also occur:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), often due to obstruction of the bile ducts
Chronic fatigue that persists despite rest
Light-colored stools or dark urine, associated with problems with bile flow
Nausea, bloating, indigestion, especially after meals
New-onset diabetes after the age of 50, without obvious risk factors
Individually, these may seem unimportant, but together they should not be ignored.

Anyone can get pancreatic cancer, but certain factors increase vulnerability:

Age: Most cases occur after the age of 60
Smoking: Doubles the risk (about 25% of cases are related to smoking)
Family history: A close relative with pancreatic cancer significantly increases the risk
Late-onset type 2 diabetes: Develops after the age of 50 without any apparent cause
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle: Promote chronic inflammation
Chronic pancreatitis, especially alcohol-related
The bottom line
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and devastating if caught late. Awareness is the first line of defense. If you or a loved one experiences persistent abdominal/back pain or unexplained weight loss, seek medical help immediately.

It’s better to raise false alarms than to discover this disease too late. Knowing the early signs can save precious time – and lives.