Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms: What Are The Early Signs?

Pancreatic cancer is a hard type of cancer to beat in its later stages. Catching this aggressive cancer early is the best way to survive it. However, it isn’t always easy to catch, which is why regular screenings are important particularly if you have a family history of cancer or if you are over the age of 50.

Many people get through the first few stages of cancer displaying little to know symptoms of the disease. Unfortunately, that is why so many die from it quickly once they are diagnosed. By the time the serious pain starts, it is often too late to treat it successfully.

One of the best things you can do is to get screened for pancreatic cancer as soon as you have any symptoms. Generally, the symptom will be linked to another more treatable issue. However, if you catch it early, you may have just saved your own life.

What Are The Early Signs?

Regular screenings are the best way to detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages. However, if you are younger, this may not be something your doctor is recommending. If you have any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about scheduling a screening.

Early Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

• Dark-colored urine
• Itchy skin
• Abnormal stools
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Jaundice
• Blood Clots
• Diabetes

Late-Stage Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling
• Bedsores
• Depression
• Changes in behavior

What To Do If You Have Signs Of Pancreatic Cancer

If you have signs of pancreatic cancer, particularly if you are over the age of 50 or have a family history of cancer, it is important to schedule a screening with your doctor. They will be able to determine if you have cancer or if there is something else causing your symptoms.

While there are many other causes of any of the above symptoms, some of those causes can also be deadly. It is important to schedule a doctor’s visit when you are experiencing any abnormal symptoms in order to determine that there isn’t a larger issue taking place. Catching the disease in its early stages is the best way to increase your likelihood of remission and getting successful treatment.

What Causes Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer can be caused by a few different things. Some of these you are able to be tested for early in life so that you can better understand if you are high-risk. If you are, you will be able to schedule regular screenings in order to catch pancreatic cancer at its earliest stages. Pancreatic cancer can be caused by the following things.

Inherited Gene Mutations

Inherited gene mutations are mutations that you are born with that have been inherited. While these gene mutations don’t always lead to pancreatic cancer, they certainly increase the likelihood that you will develop pancreatic cancer at some point in your life.

Thankfully, they are able to test for these factors using a DNA test that looks for genetic markers for these types of cancers. 

Acquired Gene Mutations

These are gene mutations that you are not born with. Carcinogens can cause these mutations, but they can also happen at random with the normal dividing and multiplying of your body’s cells.

Conclusion

If you need to know more about the symptoms involved with pancreatic cancer and what next steps to take, please visit this guide. About 1 in every 64 people will develop pancreatic cancer. It can happen to anyone, no matter how healthy you are, so it is important to schedule a screening with your doctor if you are showing pancreatic cancer symptoms or have risks such as family history.