Seven symptoms of pancreatic cancer that rarely get spotted before it's too late
It a 'scary bad' disease that few survive after it is detected and it's important to keep an eye out for the symptoms and take preventative measures, experts say
Experts have outlined seven crucial symptoms of a disease with a notoriously low survival rate, which has been described as "scary bad" by a leading medical university. Despite advancements in treatments for various cancers, pancreatic cancer remains a significant challenge, with the NHS acknowledging that it "can be difficult to treat".
Early diagnosis is vital, but the problem with pancreatic cancer is that it can be tricky to detect, resulting in a survival rate of just 25% of patients living for a year or more, and a mere 5% surviving 10 or more years after diagnosis. According to Cancer Research UK, the poor outlook for pancreatic cancer is largely due to late diagnosis, with the cancer often being quite advanced.
Only around 10% of patients are eligible for surgery to remove the cancer, which offers the best chance of a cure. The pancreas, a small organ located behind the stomach and in front of the spine, plays a vital role in food digestion in the small intestine.
Although relatively rare, pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, behind lung, colon, and breast cancer. The Medical University of South Carolina has emphasized the importance of recognizing the seven key symptoms of pancreatic cancer, which include:
- Jaundice
- Light-coloured stools
- Dark urine
- Pain in the middle or upper abdomen and back
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Poor appetite
People are being cautioned that jaundice - the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes - is a symptom of the illness, as are light-coloured stools and dark urine. Other signs of the cancer include pain in the middle or upper abdomen and back, fatigue, weight loss, and poor appetite.
Regrettably, apart from the first three, the other symptoms "are not specific indicators that something is wrong and even these are often late signs of disease," according to MUSC Health. "The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is difficult and often late. The symptoms are not terribly specific and this is why the diagnosis is often at an advanced stage."
There is optimism surrounding a new blood marker (GPC1) that could aid in detection, but definitive diagnosis requires radiologic studies or tissue biopsy. People can also take steps to reduce their chances of getting pancreatic cancer by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
This includes drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, quitting smoking, reducing intake of processed or red meats, and maintaining a healthy weight, as per NHS guidelines.