Pancreatic cancer is one of the more silent and sneaky cancers out there. It does not always come with loud and obvious signs, and by the time it does show up on your radar, it is often at an advanced stage. But before losing any hope, there is a silver lining: early detection can make a difference. While there is no magic formula for spotting pancreatic cancer early, being aware of some of the warning signs can help you catch it sooner—before it is too late. In this article, we will walk you through the seven warning signs of pancreatic cancer you should pay attention to, according to a pancreatic cancer doctor in Singapore (https://www.leesurgery.com.sg/service/pancreatic-cancer/).
- Unexplained weight loss
More often than not, unexplained weight loss is a red flag. And we are not talking about the kind of weight loss you get from eating salad for lunch and running a 5K every day. This is the weight loss that sneaks up on you, where you suddenly notice that your jeans fit a little looser or your shirts are hanging off you in ways that were not intentional.
When pancreatic cancer starts to grow, it can disrupt your body’s ability to digest food properly. The pancreas helps break down food and absorb nutrients, so if it is not working properly, you may experience unintended weight loss—even if you are eating normally.
This weight loss can be due to malabsorption, where your body is not able to absorb nutrients effectively. If you are losing weight for no apparent reason, especially if combined with other symptoms on this list, it is worth a conversation with your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
- Jaundice
Jaundice is one of those signs that most people associate with liver issues, but it can also be a major indicator of pancreatic cancer. Jaundice happens when your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellowish. Why? Because when a tumor blocks the bile duct near the pancreas, it can cause a buildup of bilirubin (a substance produced by the liver). This buildup turns your skin yellow.
You might also notice darker urine, pale-colored stools, and itchy skin if jaundice is present. If your skin starts looking like you have spent a little too much time in the sun without sunscreen, it is time to get checked out by a doctor. While jaundice can occur for reasons other than cancer, it is a symptom that should never be ignored, especially if it comes on suddenly.
- Abdominal pain and back pain that persist
Pancreatic cancer can cause persistent abdominal pain or back pain, and it might not even feel like a typical stomach ache. The pain usually starts in the upper abdomen, just under the ribcage, and it can feel deep, gnawing, or aching. As the tumor grows, it can press against nearby organs, nerves, or blood vessels, leading to discomfort.
Here is where it gets a little tricky: the pain can radiate to your back. So, you might be thinking, “I’ve got a bad back, no big deal.” But if the pain feels different from your usual back pain, or it seems to come and go at strange times (like after eating), it is worth checking in with your healthcare provider.
Pancreatic cancer pain may worsen after eating, especially meals high in fat, which is a clue that the pancreas is not processing food as it should. The longer the pain persists without an obvious cause, the more important it becomes to get it checked out.
- Loss of appetite
Ever have those days when food just does not appeal to you, and you are not sure why? Now imagine that feeling lasting for weeks. A loss of appetite is another common sign of pancreatic cancer, and it can come hand-in-hand with the weight loss we talked about earlier. When your pancreas is not functioning properly, digestion gets thrown off, and your body may not feel like eating.
But it is not just about feeling “meh” toward food. You might also feel full very quickly when you eat, even if you have not had much to eat in the first place. This feeling of early fullness is known as early satiety, and it can make meals feel less satisfying or downright unappealing.
If your appetite has significantly decreased or you are finding yourself skipping meals more than usual, take note. It could be a sign that your body is trying to tell you something’s off.
- Digestive issues
Pancreatic cancer can mess with your digestion in multiple ways, and the symptoms often look like other common stomach problems. You might experience frequent indigestion, gas, nausea, or diarrhea. The cancer affects the pancreas’s ability to produce enzymes that help break down food, and this can lead to undigested food in your stomach or intestines.
You could also notice that your stools become greasy or pale, a condition known as steatorrhea. This happens when your body is unable to absorb fat properly, and it can lead to unusual-smelling, floating stools. It is not a fun symptom to talk about, but it is a good indicator that something is wrong with your digestive system.
- Fatigue
We all get tired now and then. But extreme fatigue — the kind that does not improve with rest or a good night’s sleep—can be a sign of something more serious. Fatigue in pancreatic cancer patients is often linked to malnutrition, as the body is not absorbing nutrients properly. It can also be related to the physical strain of dealing with pain and discomfort from other symptoms.
If you are feeling wiped out despite taking care of yourself, it might be worth seeing a healthcare provider to rule out underlying causes. And, yes, fatigue can be caused by a million different things, but when paired with other signs like weight loss or abdominal pain, it is important to get checked out.
- New-onset diabetes
This might come as a surprise, but pancreatic cancer can actually lead to new-onset diabetes. The pancreas main function is to produce insulin, which is important in regulating the levels of blood sugar. If a tumor interferes with this function, it can result in difficulty controlling your blood sugar, even if you have never had issues before.
If you suddenly start experiencing signs of diabetes—like increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, or unexplained weight loss—it is worth getting your blood sugar levels checked. New-onset diabetes, especially if you do not have other typical risk factors, should be taken seriously.
What to do if you experience these symptoms
Do not panic—but do take action. The earlier pancreatic cancer is detected, the better the chances for treatment. That means seeing a doctor as soon as you can to discuss your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will perform a thorough evaluation, including physical exams, imaging tests (such as CT scans or MRIs), and possibly blood tests to check for tumor markers.
While pancreatic cancer is tough to diagnose early, medical advancements have made it easier to catch and treat at more treatable stages. And even if it turns out not to be cancer, it is always better to know for sure rather than risk ignoring the signs.
Conclusion: Stay alert, stay healthy
No one likes to think about the worst-case scenario, but being aware of the warning signs of pancreatic cancer can be a game-changer. If you catch it early, treatment options increase, and survival rates improve. So, keep an eye out for unexplained weight loss, jaundice, persistent pain, digestive issues, fatigue, and new-onset diabetes.
If something feels off, do not just chalk it up to stress, aging, or a bad diet. A trip to a pancreatic cancer doctor in Singapore could make all the difference. Better to be cautious and get checked out than to wait too long and miss the window for treatment.
Stay informed, stay healthy, and always listen to your body. It has got more to say than you might think.
Dr. Lee Chin Li – Lee Surgery and Endoscopy
Specialties: Colorectal Surgery, Gallbladder Surgery
Clinic Locations:
- Gleneagles Medical Centre
Lee Surgery and Endoscopy
6 Napier Road, #04-16, Singapore 258499 - Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard)
Dr. Lee @ KYM Surgery
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-01, Singapore 228510 - Farrer Park Medical Centre
Dr. Lee @ KYM Surgery
1 Farrer Park Station Road, #13-05, Singapore 217562
Contact: +65 8952 6327
Website: www.leesurgery.com
