How to Identify Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. Normally, symptoms don’t occur until cancerous cells have spread to nearby organs. By this time, the disease is advanced and the success rate drops. Yet, there are ways to recognize early symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

Instructions

• 1

  Notice a sudden weight loss. Because the pancreas is located in the stomach area, most sufferers deal with unexplained weight loss. The weight loss is commonly linked with loss of appetite. Persons who lose at least 10% of their body weight in a short period of time should see a doctor.

• 2

  Feel pain in the abdomen and back. In the beginning, pancreatic cancer produces a dull pain in the abdomen. This pain may radiate to the back. Discomfort is typically worse when lying down. Additionally, pain may begin a couple of hours after eating a meal.

• 3

  Develop yellowing of the skin. Jaundice, or yellow skin, is a potentially serious condition. Most people with pancreatic cancer develop jaundice, in which the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellow.

• 4

  Observe a change in bowel or urine color. Individuals with pancreatic cancer may have dark or abnormally colored urine and pale bowel movements. Stools may produce a strong odor because the digestive system cannot properly absorb food.

• 5

  Have an overall feeling of sickness. Persons diagnosed with pancreatic cancer often complain of an overall sick feeling. They can’t always pinpoint or describe the sickness, but they generally deal with nausea, back pain, constipation and fatigue. These symptoms are largely attributed to inflammation of the pancreas.