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Itisha Arya

NHS Warns About Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms That Are Easy To Miss

pancreatic cancer symptoms

The <span>NHS</span> has issued an urgent reminder about symptoms that many might shrug off as “normal,” urging anyone noticing them to get medical advice promptly. In a post on X, the health service highlighted the importance of checking in with a doctor if something feels off. 

NHS warned: "Symptoms of <span>pancreatic cancer</span> are common and can be caused by many things. It’s important to be seen by a GP if anything doesn’t feel normal. If your symptoms are due to cancer, catching it early may make treatment easier."

Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach. These cells can form a tumor. Most cases start in the exocrine cells that produce digestive enzymes; this type is often referred to as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, according to the National Cancer Institute. 

NHS experts also explained that pancreatic cancer can develop anywhere in this crucial organ, which sits in the upper abdomen and helps with digestion while producing important hormones like insulin. The severity of pancreatic cancer depends on its location, size, whether it has spread, and the person’s overall health.

<h2>Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer</h2>

Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect, and many people show no symptoms at first. Some signs may include:

<ul><li>Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), often accompanied by itchy skin, dark urine, and pale stools</li><li>Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss</li><li>Feeling constantly tired or low on energy</li><li>Fever, or feeling hot and shivery</li></ul>Other symptoms may affect digestion:

<ul><li>Nausea or vomiting</li><li>Diarrhoea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits</li><li>Pain in the upper abdomen or back, sometimes worse when eating or lying down and eased by leaning forward</li><li>Indigestion, bloating, or discomfort</li></ul>

<h2>Common Signs Don’t Always Mean Cancer</h2>

It’s worth noting that these symptoms are fairly common and may be caused by other health issues. That’s why early medical assessment is so important.

The NHS emphasized: "Having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have pancreatic cancer, but it’s crucial to see a GP. If cancer is the cause, early detection could make treatment more effective."

Pancreatic tumors are generally classified into two main types, as per Cleveland Clinic:

<ul><li>Exocrine tumors: These make up more than 90% of all pancreatic tumors. The most common form is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the pancreas and other organs.</li><li>Neuroendocrine tumors: Representing less than 10% of pancreatic tumors, these are also called islet cell carcinomas and develop from hormone-producing cells in the pancreas.</li></ul>

<h2>Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer</h2>

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, including:

<ul><li>Smoking</li><li>Type 2 diabetes</li><li>Chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)</li><li>Family history of genetic changes that raise cancer risk, such as BRCA2 mutations, Lynch syndrome, or FAMMM syndrome</li><li>Family history of pancreatic cancer</li><li>Obesity</li>Older age; most patients are over 65</ul>

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The NHS has issued an urgent reminder about symptoms that many might shrug off as “normal,” urging anyone noticing them to get medical advice promptly. In a post on X, the health service highlighted the importance of checking in with a doctor if something feels off. NHS warned: "Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are common and can be caused by many things. It’s important to be seen by a GP if anything doesn’t feel normal. If your symptoms are due to cancer, catching it early may make treatment easier."What Is Pancreatic Cancer?Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach. These cells can form a tumor. Most cases start in the exocrine cells that produce digestive enzymes; this type is often referred to as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, according to the National Cancer Institute. NHS experts also explained that pancreatic cancer can develop anywhere in this crucial organ, which sits in the upper abdomen and helps with digestion while producing important hormones like insulin. The severity of pancreatic cancer depends on its location, size, whether it has spread, and the person’s overall health.Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatic CancerPancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect, and many people show no symptoms at first. Some signs may include:Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), often accompanied by itchy skin, dark urine, and pale stoolsLoss of appetite or unexplained weight lossFeeling constantly tired or low on energyFever, or feeling hot and shiveryOther symptoms may affect digestion:Nausea or vomitingDiarrhoea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habitsPain in the upper abdomen or back, sometimes worse when eating or lying down and eased by leaning forwardIndigestion, bloating, or discomfortCommon Signs Don’t Always Mean CancerIt’s worth noting that these symptoms are fairly common and may be caused by other health issues. That’s why early medical assessment is so important.The NHS emphasized: "Having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have pancreatic cancer, but it’s crucial to see a GP. If cancer is the cause, early detection could make treatment more effective."Types Of Pancreatic CancerPancreatic tumors are generally classified into two main types, as per Cleveland Clinic:Exocrine tumors: These make up more than 90% of all pancreatic tumors. The most common form is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the pancreas and other organs.Neuroendocrine tumors: Representing less than 10% of pancreatic tumors, these are also called islet cell carcinomas and develop from hormone-producing cells in the pancreas.Risk Factors of Pancreatic CancerCertain factors can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, including:SmokingType 2 diabetesChronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)Family history of genetic changes that raise cancer risk, such as BRCA2 mutations, Lynch syndrome, or FAMMM syndromeFamily history of pancreatic cancerObesityOlder age; most patients are over 65Heavy alcohol consumption