Pancreatic Cancer: Hidden warning signs most overlook, according to a Gastroenterologist

Pancreatic cancer is often considered one of the most insidious and aggressive forms of cancer, primarily because its early symptoms are so subtle and can be easily mistaken for minor issues like digestive problems or general fatigue.

Quite a few individuals remain unaware of how swiftly this condition can advance without any apparent warning signs.

Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, recently addressed a surprising reality about pancreatic cancer through his Thursday Instagram post, one that many might not be familiar with.

Here are the key points he discusses:

1. Early stages seldom cause discomfort

“By the time most people feel something, the cancer has already been growing silently for years,” explains Dr. Sethi. In its early stages, pancreatic cancer often grows without notable pain, making detection difficult.

2. Early symptoms are often overlooked

“Mild back discomfort, new onset diabetes, and subtle weight loss, none of these scream cancer,”he states. These ambiguous symptoms are frequently dismissed or mistaken for common health concerns.

3. Onset of diabetes after age 50 could be an early red flag

“The pancreas controls insulin, so a tumor can disrupt this before any other symptom appears,” Dr. Sethi mentions. An unexpected diabetes diagnosis in later life might at times be connected to changes in the pancreas.

4. Skin yellowing is typically the first visible indicator

Painless jaundice arises when a tumour obstructs the bile duct. However, Dr. Sethi highlights that “this is already a late alert,” signifying that the illness has generally advanced substantially at this point.

5. Floating or oily stools are often disregarded for extended periods

“If the pancreas doesn’t properly produce enzymes, fats go undigested, which is a signal,” he clarifies. This sign is commonly overlooked or not associated with pancreatic health concerns.

6. A history of pancreatic cancer in the family heightens your risk

“Having one first-degree relative with pancreatic cancer elevates your risk 2 to 5 times, and with two relatives, it rises over 6 times. Genetic counselling is beneficial,” says Dr. Sethi, underlining the value of knowing your family’s medical history.

7. Chronic pancreatitis significantly raises your cancer risks

Persistent pancreas inflammation can greatly boost the risk. “Not only is it painful, it can also potentially develop into cancer over time,” he cautions.

Important note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always seek advice from your doctor regarding any medical concerns.