We ignore many ailments experienced during the day, thinking that they are caused by the foods we eat and drink, and by stress. However, these recurring disorders can be a symptom of very serious diseases. More than half of people who get pancreatic cancer die within three months of being diagnosed. The biggest reason for the late diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is considered to be insignificant symptoms.
THE DISEASE IS DIAGNOSED LATE
“The vast majority of cancer cases are diagnosed when it’s already at a late stage, because the symptoms often overlap with other conditions, such as indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. If you have persistent symptoms, you should see a doctor.” says. Here are some of the symptoms that might be easy to ignore as something less serious…
INDIGESTION
Indigestion and/or heartburn can be a common symptom of pancreatic cancer. But it’s a symptom that most people wouldn’t think is linked to a serious illness. “Most of the time people can take over-the-counter medications for persistent indigestion. But there may be times when a few annoying things happen that can indicate pancreatic cancer and other symptoms, such as pain in your stomach or back,” says Jones.
Abdominal OR BACK PAIN
This can be anything from a dull ache to pain radiating from your stomach to your back, explains Jones. “It might be around the bra line if you’re a woman,” she says. “It’s not low back pain and it’s usually between the shoulder blades. It can get worse after eating something and it doesn’t go away easily.” He says combined abdominal and back pain is a fairly common symptom, but some people may only have one or the other.
UNexplained weight loss
Weight loss due to pancreatic cancer can initially be seen when people are not really trying to lose weight and eat relatively normal food. “They may notice that their clothes are getting loose,” Jones says.
LOSS OF APPETITE
Losing weight is sometimes associated, at least initially, with a loss of appetite, another symptom of pancreatic cancer that is easily overlooked. “It can range from people thinking they’re not really that hungry, to having no appetite and being unable to face food, or feeling full after eating very little,” says Jones. The tumor is pressing on the stomach or simply reducing its capacity to eat.
JAUNDICE
Jaundice is a symptom of pancreatic cancer that is less easy to ignore, but it tends to occur only in people whose tumor is toward the head of the pancreas, Jones explains. “Although it is very common, not everyone with pancreatic cancer will get jaundice,” he says. “It’s a red flag symptom – you may notice it when the whites of your eyes turn a little yellow, before your skin starts to take on that yellow hue.”