Pancreatic cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers because it’s hard to detect early. The pancreas is a small organ located deep in the belly, behind the stomach. It plays an important role in digestion and helps control blood sugar.
But when cancer begins in the pancreas, it often grows quietly. Many people don’t realize anything is wrong until the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body.
One of the reasons pancreatic cancer is so deadly is because its early symptoms are easy to miss. They are often mild, unclear, or similar to symptoms of other common illnesses. For example, people may feel pain in their upper belly or back that doesn’t go away.
Others might start losing weight without trying. Some feel full very quickly after eating or have a sick feeling in their stomach. These signs can come and go, so they’re often ignored or mistaken for everyday problems like indigestion or stress.
A clearer warning sign is jaundice, which happens when the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. This occurs when a tumor blocks the bile duct, a small tube that helps the body get rid of waste.
When this tube is blocked, a substance called bilirubin builds up in the body, causing yellow skin and eyes. Jaundice can also make urine darker than usual, stools lighter or greasy, and cause itchy skin. These changes can be alarming and should never be overlooked.
Another possible clue is unexplained weight loss, especially if your eating habits haven’t changed. A study found that many people with pancreatic cancer started losing weight months before they were diagnosed.
This happens because the pancreas may stop producing enough enzymes to help break down food, meaning your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs—even if you’re eating normally.
Suddenly developing diabetes, especially in adults who never had blood sugar issues before, can also be a warning sign. Cancer in the pancreas can affect how the body produces insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar. If you’re diagnosed with diabetes later in life and don’t have a clear reason why, it’s worth asking your doctor if further checks are needed.
Other early signs include feeling very tired, loss of appetite, or simply feeling unwell without knowing why. These symptoms are common in many illnesses, but if they continue over time or show up together, they could be signs of something more serious. Trust your body—if something feels off and doesn’t improve, it’s best to get it checked.
There are also risk factors that can increase your chance of getting pancreatic cancer. People who smoke, are overweight, or have long-term inflammation of the pancreas (called pancreatitis) are at higher risk.
Family history matters too—if a close relative had pancreatic cancer, your risk may be higher. The American Cancer Society says that smokers are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as non-smokers.
If you’re in a high-risk group and start noticing unusual symptoms—especially jaundice, belly pain, or weight loss—it’s very important to talk to a doctor. The sooner pancreatic cancer is found, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Doctors can use imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to look for problems in the pancreas. These scans are helpful for spotting tumors or other issues inside the body. Just because you’re sent for a scan doesn’t mean you have cancer—but it’s a good way to find answers and get help early if something is wrong.
In summary, pancreatic cancer often starts without clear signs, which makes it dangerous. But by learning the warning signs—like jaundice, unexplained weight loss, belly or back pain, and new diabetes—you can take action early.
Paying attention to your body, especially if you have risk factors, can help you catch this disease before it’s too late. Early diagnosis can make a big difference. Don’t ignore the small changes—your health depends on it.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about vitamin D and bowel cancer, and a cautionary note about peanuts and cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the link between ultra-processed foods and cancer, and everyday foods to ward off pancreatic cancer.
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