The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is around 7
Doctors say it is important to spot cancer in the early stages to save lives. But not all cancers are easy to spot, as some have vague symptoms or might not cause any symptoms at all.
According to experts, one of the most misdiagnosed of all the common cancers, due to the nature of its symptoms, is pancreatic cancer. It is known as one of the most lethal cancers in the human body. Statistics say more than 43 per cent of patients are diagnosed as an emergency after having visited their doctors many times before for other issues.
The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is around 7 per cent – which means that only 7 out of 100 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will be alive five years after diagnosis.
A few overlooked symptoms of pancreatic cancer, which you must take seriously, include:
Abdominal pain
If you have persistent or severe pain in the abdomen—especially after eating—you may think it is because of indigestion or gallstones. However, many times it can be among the most important signs of pancreatic cancer.
New onset-diabetes
Pancreatic cancer affects the production of insulin, leading to the sudden onset of diabetes, particularly in adults who have no prior history or risk factors. In those with existing diabetes, their blood sugar levels can be more difficult to control if they have pancreatic cancer.
Frequent nausea
If you have been experiencing frequent nausea or vomiting soon after meals, or vomiting blood, you need to show yourself to a doctor and get a proper check-up done.
Intense itching
According to experts, one of the most important signs of pancreatic cancer is intense itching, which can occur due to bile duct obstruction, leading to a buildup of bile salts in the skin.
Doctors say it is often accompanied by jaundice, which leads to yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Change in bowel habits
If you have been experiencing recurrent diarrhoea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency right after eating, you may think it is either IBS or lactose intolerance. However, it can also be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, especially if the stools are pale, fatty, and difficult to flush.
Doctors say while there are no telltale early signs of pancreatic cancer, these changes and a few other vague symptoms up to one year before receiving a diagnosis are crucial. Many people report that their first pancreatic cancer symptoms were even back pain. These symptoms can come and go at first but may get worse after meals or when you lie down.
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a certain disease. Common pancreatic cancer risk factors include:
- Smoking cigarettes or cigars
- Obesity, especially in type-2 diabetes
- Exposure to certain chemicals like pesticides and petrochemicals
- Chronic pancreatitis, which causes permanent inflammation of your pancreas.
- Hereditary syndromes with changes in genes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes passed from biological parent to child
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