Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly types of cancer because it often grows quietly without clear symptoms.
The pancreas is a small organ tucked deep inside your belly, behind the stomach. It helps your body digest food and control blood sugar. But when cancer begins there, it can be hard to notice until it’s already spread.
Many people with pancreatic cancer don’t feel sick at first. The early symptoms are often mild, unclear, or easy to confuse with common health problems. Some people might feel pain in the upper belly or in their back that doesn’t go away.
Others might lose weight without trying or feel full quickly after eating. Some have nausea or an upset stomach. These signs may come and go, so they’re often ignored or blamed on stress or indigestion.
One of the clearest warning signs is jaundice. This happens when your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow. Jaundice is caused by a tumor blocking the bile duct—a small tube that carries waste out of the body.
When this duct gets blocked, a substance called bilirubin builds up, turning the skin and eyes yellow. Jaundice can also cause dark urine, pale or greasy stool, and itchy skin. These changes are more noticeable and should never be ignored.
Unexplained weight loss is another red flag. Even if you’re eating normally, you might lose weight if your pancreas stops making enough enzymes to digest food. Your body won’t absorb nutrients the way it should, which can lead to fast weight loss. A study found that people often began losing weight months before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Another possible sign is developing diabetes suddenly, especially in older adults with no history of blood sugar problems. Pancreatic cancer can affect how the body makes insulin, which controls blood sugar. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes and don’t have a clear reason why, it’s worth talking to your doctor about checking your pancreas.
Other early signs can include feeling very tired, not feeling hungry, or just feeling unwell without a clear cause. These symptoms are common in many conditions, but if they stick around or appear together, it’s a good idea to get checked out.
There are also certain risk factors that make pancreatic cancer more likely. People who smoke, are overweight, or have chronic inflammation of the pancreas (called pancreatitis) have a higher risk. Family history matters too.
If a close relative had pancreatic cancer, your chances of getting it are higher. According to the American Cancer Society, people who smoke are about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those who don’t.
If you have any of these risk factors and notice symptoms like jaundice, stomach or back pain, or weight loss, don’t wait—talk to your doctor. Finding pancreatic cancer early can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment.
Doctors can use tests like CT scans or MRIs to look for tumors or other issues in the pancreas. These scans are helpful for finding answers. Just because your doctor orders a scan doesn’t mean you have cancer—but it’s important to know for sure.
In short, pancreatic cancer often hides until it’s advanced, but it can sometimes be spotted early by paying attention to your body. Watch for signs like yellow skin or eyes, unexplained weight loss, belly pain, or new diabetes. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Catching cancer early can save your life.
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