Beware potential signs of pancreatic cancer

[Northerner]

One in three adults would ignore potential symptoms of pancreatic cancer, according to a charity.

Stomach ache, indigestion, unexplained weight loss and faeces that float rather than sink in the lavatory can be warning signs of the potentially deadly disease, says Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Early detection and treatment are vital to save lives.

Nikki Davies was diagnosed in March, aged 51. Her tumour was caught early, meaning a surgeon could remove it.

"I have been incredibly lucky that mine could be operated on and hadn't spread, as far as we can tell.

"My message to others would be that no-one knows your body like you do.

"Know what the symptoms are and talk to your GP if you notice anything that's unusual for you.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-41817061

 

[mikeyB]

I had those symptoms, and after a scan, the radiologist reported that I had cancer in the pancreas. Very much a don’t buy any long books diagnosis. It’s only when I saw the pancreas specialist in Glasgow that he told me it wasn’t cancer, but chronic pancreatitis. Which does cause all the symptoms described in the article, as our Creonistas will agree.

But there certainly does need to be more awareness of this particular cancer, because survival depends on early diagnosis.

 

[grovesy]

As i understood it the symptoms don't occur till it is well advanced anyway.

 

[mikeyB]

Depends, Grovesy. A tumour in the head of the pancreas can cause symptoms early, and that’s where most cancers arise. If it’s in the tail of the pancreas then yes, when you get symptoms it’s thankyou and goodnight.