Other warning signs to watch for
Although pain and weight loss are the most characteristic symptoms, other symptoms may also occur:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), often due to obstruction of the bile ducts
- Chronic fatigue that persists despite rest
- Light-colored stools or dark urine, associated with bile flow problems
- Nausea, bloating, indigestion, especially after meals
- Diabetes of recent onset after the age of 50, without obvious risk factors
Individually, these may seem insignificant, but together they should not be ignored.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can get pancreatic cancer, but certain factors increase vulnerability:
- Age: Most cases occur after the age of 60.
- Smoking: doubles the risk (approximately 25% of cases are linked to smoking)
- Family history: A close relative with pancreatic cancer significantly increases the risk
- Late-onset type 2 diabetes: develops after the age of 50 without an apparent cause
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: promoting chronic inflammation
- Chronic pancreatitis, particularly related to alcohol
The conclusion
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and devastating if caught late. Awareness is the first line of defense. If you or a loved one experiences persistent abdominal/back pain or unexplained weight loss , consult a doctor immediately.
It’s better to trigger false alarms than to discover this disease too late. Recognizing the early signs can save precious time – and lives.
