Watch Out For These Pancreatic Cancer Signs When Going To The Toilet

The problem with pancreatic cancer, as with other types of cancers, is that it does not cause any symptoms during the early stages. Patients who suffer from pancreatic cancer may just feel some discomfort, oftentimes in their upper abdominal area, or experience some dull backache.

Since it belongs to the top twelve most common cancer types in the UK, you must recognize its symptoms, particularly those in the early stages. You need to know this because, like all forms of cancer, there is no cure at present.

Toilet Habits Can Give A Clue

Your toilet habits may warn you of different health problems, including pancreatic cancer. Two signs you should watch out for are dark-colored pee and light-colored poo.

The National Health Service revealed that these two warning signs might happen because of jaundice. This is a condition that leads to the yellowing of the whites of your eyes and your skin.

The American Cancer Society, for their part, explained the relationship between pancreatic cancer and jaundice. According to them, most people who are starting to develop pancreatic cancer and almost all of those who suffer from ampullary cancer will experience jaundice as among the first symptoms.

Meet Bilirubin

The accumulation of bilirubin, which is a dark yellow-brown substance produced in the liver, causes jaundice. Normally, a yellowish liquid called bile containing bilirubin is released by the liver.

This liquid then goes through the bile duct into your intestines, where it then helps in breaking down fats. Eventually, bile leaves the body along with the stool.

When there is a blockage in the common bile duct, the liquid will not be able to reach your intestines, resulting in the accumulation of bilirubin in your body.

Cancers that begin in the pancreas’ head are located near the common bile duct. These cancer types, while they are still small, may apply pressure on the duct, which then causes jaundice. Sometimes, this situation leads to the discovery of the tumors at an early phase.

During this time, your pee may turn orange or dark yellow while your stools may take on a light-color or gray hue. If pancreatic enzymes and bile are not able to get through the intestines to help in breaking down fats, your stools can appear greasy and even float in the toilet.

It is also important, however, to remember that such symptoms may be caused by a host of other health conditions. Jaundice may have also been due to hepatitis, sickle cell disease, alcoholic liver disease, gall stones, or pancreatitis. If you see these warning signs, you should go see a doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis.