This Morning: Dr Zoe explains symptoms of pancreatic cancer
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Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be obscure, such as poo that keeps reappearing in the toilet bowl, even though you’ve flushed. What are the other warning signs you need to keep an eye on? Cancer Research UK stated that faeces that are difficult to flush away may be a sign of “fatty stools”. They might be pale coloured and smelly, and could be an indication that the pancreatic duct is blocked by a cancerous tumour.
This leads to a symptom called steatorrhoea that involves passing “frequent, large bowel motions”.
“These bowel disturbances can mean that you are not absorbing your food properly,” added the charity.
This could lead to weight loss, another warning sign of cancer – no matter the kind.
When it comes to pancreatic cancer, an inflamed pancreas may lead to a fever while you feel cold and shivery.
The cancer can also lead to persistent indigestion, which can cause heartburn, bloating and nausea.
An inflamed pancreas can “upset the delicate chemical balance of the body”, hence nausea, which may put you off your food.
One of the most common signs of pancreatic cancer is pain in the stomach area that spreads to the back.
The “dull pain” tends to worsen when lying down and feels a bit better when you sit forward.
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The painful sensation may hurt more just after you’ve eaten food; otherwise, a persistent pain may be felt in the middle of the back.
Jaundice could occur, which is when the white of the eyes and the skin take on a yellow hue.
Increased bile salts in the bloodstream, due to jaundice, can lead to itchy skin.
“Some people diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas are found to be newly diabetic,” warned Cancer Research UK.
This suggests the classic signs of diabetes could be a sign of pancreatic cancer:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Increased hunger
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Occasionally, pancreatic cancer is linked to blood clots, which can form in the small veins anywhere on the body.
Blood clot symptoms include:
- Pain, redness and swelling around the area where the clot is
- The area around the clot might feel warm to touch
This requires urgent medical attention, as blood clots can be a life-threatening condition.
Am I at risk of pancreatic cancer?
Older age is one of the main risk factors, with the cancer most commonly diagnosed in adults aged 75 and older.
Smoking tobacco is also linked to pancreatic cancer, accounting for 20 percent of cases.
Obesity is also a risk factor, accounting for 10 percent of pancreatic cancers.
Family history of cancer can also play a role, accounting for up to 10 percent of cases.
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