The pancreas may be a low-key organ, quietly tucked away behind your stomach, but when it starts acting up, it doesn’t always send a clear memo. Pancreatic cancer, the ultimate master of disguise, often sneaks in without a grand entrance—until it is already made itself at home. But fear not! While it is a tricky one to catch early, your body might drop some sneaky hints if you know where to look.
From surprise weight loss to unexpected digestive drama, here are seven warning signs your pancreas might be trying to tell you something important. Time to listen in!
-
Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden, unexplained weight loss without changes in diet or exercise routine can be an early sign. This, says Dr. Sameer Khatri, Senior Director, Medical Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, may happen because the cancer affects your body's ability to digest food and absorb nutrients.
- Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Pancreatic cancer can cause pain in the upper abdomen or back. "The pain might feel dull or aching and may come and go, or worsen over time," she adds.
-
Loss of Appetite or Feeling Full Quickly: A feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount or a complete loss of appetite, Dr. Khatri says, could indicate pancreatic cancer. This can be due to the tumor pressing on the stomach or affecting digestive function.
-
Fatigue: According to him, chronic tiredness or weakness, even after adequate rest, is common with pancreatic cancer. This can be caused by the body's response to cancer or nutrient malabsorption.
- Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes): Jaundice occurs when a tumor blocks the bile duct, causing a build up of bile in the liver. "This leads to yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and light-colored stools," says Dr. Khatri.
-
Changes in Stool: Pancreatic cancer can cause changes in bowel movements, such as pale, greasy, or floaty stools that are difficult to flush. According to Dr. Khatri, this happens when the pancreas is unable to release enzymes needed for digestion.
-
New Onset of Diabetes: If you develop diabetes particularly after the age of 50, he adds, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. The tumor can affect the pancreas' ability to produce insulin, leading to diabetes.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
