The pancreas is often a silent worker in the body, a large and vital gland tucked away in the top part of your tummy, nestled just behind your stomach. It plays a dual role that we often take for granted: it produces essential digestive juices to break down our food and secretes the hormones that regulate our blood sugar. Because of its hidden location, when things go wrong, the body’s signals can be quiet and easy to overlook.
Diagram showing the location of the pancreas behind the stomach
The pancreas is situated deep in the upper abdomen, which often masks early symptoms of illness.
Signs of pancreatic cancer you should never ignore
Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells within this gland begin to grow abnormally, forming a tumor. In the UK, it currently stands as the tenth most common cancer. However, the most challenging aspect of this disease is that it is rarely caught in its earliest stages. This is largely because the symptoms often remain hidden until the cancer has progressed beyond the point where early medical intervention is most effective.
Even as the cancer reaches a more advanced stage, the warning signs can be frustratingly vague, frequently mimicking other, less serious conditions. Depending on where the cancer starts—whether in the head, body, or tail of the pancreas—the symptoms can vary. The most frequent diagnosis is ductal adenocarcinoma, which begins in the cells responsible for creating those vital digestive juices.
To help you stay vigilant, here are the most common signs, as noted by Cancer Research UK, that warrant a conversation with your doctor.
1. Pain in the Stomach or Back
One of the hallmark symptoms is a persistent, dull pain in the upper abdomen that often “radiates” or spreads to the back. In the beginning, you might notice this discomfort comes and goes. However, as the tumor increases in size, the pain tends to become more constant and lasts much longer.
This happens because the pancreas sits very close to the spine. A growing tumor can press against sensitive nerves or neighboring organs. Many patients report that the pain feels worse after eating a meal or when they lie down flat on their back.
Person leaning forward to relieve abdominal pain
Interestingly, many people find temporary relief from pancreatic pain by leaning forward, which eases pressure on the nerves.
Because the early discomfort might be mild, it’s easy to dismiss it as simple indigestion, muscle strain, or stress. While abdominal pain can be caused by many things—like ulcers or gallstones—any persistent pain that links the stomach and the back should be investigated by a professional.
2. Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)
Jaundice is a very common sign for those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a yellowish pigment produced by the liver. When a tumor develops, particularly in the “head” of the pancreas, it can block the bile duct, preventing the normal flow of bile and causing bilirubin to seep into the bloodstream.
Close-up of a human eye showing yellowing of the sclera
Yellowing of the eyes or skin, known as jaundice, is a visual warning sign that requires immediate medical attention.
In addition to the yellow tint in the eyes and skin, jaundice often brings other changes:
Darker-than-usual urine.
Pale or greasy-looking stools.
Itchy skin.
Surprisingly, jaundice related to pancreatic cancer is often painless. Because it is so visually obvious, it is often the symptom that finally prompts people to seek help, sometimes leading to an earlier diagnosis than would otherwise be possible.
3. Unexpected Weight Loss
For complete cooking times, go to the next page or click the Open button (>), and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
