Pancreatic Cancer Symptom: Pain In This Body Part Could Be A Warning Sign

With more than 55,000 Americans diagnosed, it is uncertain as to when a person might develop pancreatic cancer. But understanding the risk factors and symptoms are crucial to reducing one’s likelihood of developing the deadly health condition.

It can get tricky to diagnose pancreatic cancer since its symptoms are associated with several other health conditions. It is important to recognize the warning signs to get treated at the earliest. One of the most important symptoms is pain in certain body parts and should be reported to your GP at once.

The warning sign: Pain in the stomach or back

According to the HealthSite, individuals with pancreatic cancer experience pain in the stomach area or back which might be less frequent initially. Sooner it gets worse, especially while lying down after eating. People might experience pain in their upper abdomen which might radiate towards the back, says the Mayo Clinic.

As per the Cancer Research UK, abdominal pain is a very commonly reported symptom and about 70% of pancreatic cancer cases visiting their doctors seem to complain about it. And in some cases, people suffering from this cancer might just have back pain which might be felt persistently in the middle of the back.

Diabetes alongside weightloss, jaundice can also indicate pancreatic cancer.

The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen which lies horizontally behind the lower belly. The organ secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help maintain blood sugar levels. While the exact cause of pancreatic cancer remains unknown, it arises when the mutated cells in the pancreas grow out of control to form a tumor. This cancer typically spreads to the organs surrounding it.

Older individuals and people who smoke tobacco and those who are obese are at higher risk of getting this cancer. According to the cancer center, individuals with hereditary cancer syndrome and those with specific genetic mutations are also at an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Some of the other early signs of pancreatic cancer are unexplained weight loss and jaundice. And other symptoms of the condition include fever, shivering, blood clots, changes in bowel movements, feeling sick and indigestion.