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Pancreatic cancer symptoms: Back pain could be a sign of the condition
Posted on 26/06/2018 by
PANCREATIC cancer symptoms and signs are caused by changes in the pancreas. Cells start to divide abnormally and uncontrollably, possibly forming a tumour. Watch out for these warning signs of the cancer.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms may not be triggered immediately, as a tumour may not cause symptoms.
This means when symptoms do appear, action should be taken quickly.
The cause of pancreatic cancer is not yet known, but being older, between 50 to 80, very overweight, smoking and having diabetes all increase the risk.
Around 27 new cases of this cancer are diagnosed daily, making it the 11th most common cancer in the UK.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer to watch out for include back pain, as detailed by the NHS.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms: Back pain could be a sign of the condition
Pain in your back which comes and goes could be one of the “first noticeable symptoms” of the cancer, said the NHS online.
“The pain is often in the back or stomach area,” they said.
“It is often worse when lying down or after eating.”
A yellowing of the skin and eyes, or jaundice, is also an early indication you may have the cancer.
This is caused by a build up in your body of bilirubin, a yellow substance, formed during the break down of red blood cells and normally excreted in the bile.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms: Back pain could be a sign of the condition
Pancreatic cancer symptoms to look out for
Pancreatic cancer symptoms: Signs of the cancer include jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
“Jaundice may also cause your urine to be dark yellow or orange, your poo to be pale-coloured and your skin to be itchy,” the NHS continued.
The change in skin colour could also indicate another condition, such as liver disease or hepatitis.
Unexpected weight loss could also be a sign of pancreatic cancer, the NHS added.
Further possible, less obvious, symptoms include nausea and vomiting, changes in bowel movements, indigestion, fever and shivering and blood clots.
Developing diabetes could also be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer. It would happen because the tumour in the pancreas has stopped normal insulin production.
Pancreatic cancer symptoms: The pancreas is located in the abdomen and helps regulate blood sugar
“It’s important to remember these symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, and aren’t usually the result of cancer.
“But you should contact your GP if you’re concerned, or if these symptoms start suddenly.”
Pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas, located in the abdomen, an organ which produces insulin to aid in blood sugar regulation.
The symptoms described relate to all types of pancreatic cancer, including the most common pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
One in three people would not be concerned if they had these symptoms, recent research has found.
Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Support Line is a lifeline for thousands of people affected by pancreatic cancer. Our specialist nurses understand the issues you might be facing and their expert help and advice will support you in coping with the disease. 080 801 0707 weekdays 10am-4pm nurse@pancreaticcancer.org.uk
For more information about Pancreatic Cancer UK, please visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk