The Early Pancreatic Cancer Signs Most People Miss, According to a Gastroenterologist

Emily Laurence
·5 min read
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With any cancer, early detection is key but this is especially the case with pancreatic cancer. “Pancreatic cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in just 1.8% of all new cases of cancer. Despite its relative rarity, it is still one of the leading causes of death from cancer,” says Dr. Samrat V. Jankar, MBBS, FMAS, DNB, a gastroenterologist and gastrointestinal surgeon. He explains that the reason why this particular cancer is so deadly is because it’s typically detected at a late stage. Dr. Jankar adds that pancreatic cancer affects men and women equally and people over 65 are more likely to be diagnosed than younger people.

According to Hopkins Medicine, about 5 to 10% of people survive five years after the diagnosis because pancreatic cancer is detected at such late stages. This is why knowing the earliest signs is vital as well as implementing lifestyle habits that can minimize your risk.

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Early Signs of Pancreatic Cancer To Be Aware Of

Dr. Jankar says that a major reason why pancreatic cancer is diagnosed so late is because its early signs are often hard to detect, are dismissed, or mistaken as other health conditions. PSA: If you have any changes in your bowel habits or are experiencing pain in the upper abdomen or back, see a doctor because Dr. Jankar says that these are the early signs many miss.

Dr. Jankar says that these bowel changes can be either constipation or diarrhea; anything that isn’t normal for you but starts happening frequently shouldn’t be ignored. (Besides, at the very least, these symptoms are uncomfortable to deal with and worth getting to the bottom of regardless.)

The reason why pancreatic cancer can cause pain in the abdomen or lower back is because a tumor can be pressing into the spine. Often, this pain is worse when lying down and feels better when leaning forward. Experiencing any abdominal or lower back pain is not normal and should be considered a sign to see a healthcare provider. While having these symptoms don’t automatically mean you have pancreatic cancer, it’s still worth talking to your doctor about and getting tested.

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Other early signs of pancreatic cancer that Dr. Jankar says to be aware of include sudden weight loss, fatigue and jaundice (yellow skin). “In addition to these symptoms, some people may also experience indigestion after meals or changes in their ability to digest foods,” he explains. He adds that other less common symptoms can include blood clots, depression, and swelling of the face and body.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe they could be related to pancreatic cancer, Dr. Jankar says that it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible, adding that the doctor will likely order a CT scan to help diagnose the condition. “They may also take blood samples to look for elevated levels of certain enzymes, which could indicate pancreatic cancer. If these tests are inconclusive, a biopsy may be necessary in order to make a definitive diagnosis,” he explains.

If you do have pancreatic cancer, the next step is coming up with a treatment plan with your doctor. Dr. Jankar says that this can include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the stage and severity of the cancer and other factors.

Dr. Jankar emphasizes that pancreatic cancer isn’t always terminal. “Many people are able to survive for years after being diagnosed with the condition. With rapid advances in medical technology and treatments, many people are now living up to 10 years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” he says.

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How To Lower Your Risk

There are certain lifestyle habits that put people at an increased risk for pancreatic cancer. Dr. Jankar says that a big one is smoking. If you smoke (or vape), consider this your sign to quit ASAP as it will instantly reduce your risk. According to scientific studies, smokers have an 80% increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared to people who have never smoked.

Another risk factor Dr. Jankar says is regularly eating processed meats and red meat. These foods are okay to eat sporadically, but if they are a staple of your diet, you are increasing your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Last, Dr. Jankar says that a family history of pancreatic cancer also increases the risk. “Those with close relatives—parents or siblings—who have had pancreatic cancer are two to three times more likely to develop the condition than those without such a family history,” he explains. While you certainly can’t control who your family is, what you can control is making a conscious effort to get routine screenings for pancreatic cancer. “Being aware of your family’s history with pancreatic cancer, or any other form of cancer, can help you take preventative steps before symptoms arise,” Dr. Jankar says.

What’s most important to remember is that early detection is key. Anytime something is off with your body, consider it an invitation to pay closer attention. Scheduling a doctor’s appointment to discuss your symptoms just might save your life.

Next up, check out this list of 10 cancer survivors to follow on Instagram.

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