Many people think of “pancreas” as “cancer” when they hear the word “pancreas,” and pancreatic cancer has the lowest 5-year survival rate among cancers. Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early, according to Dr. Andrew Hendfar, associate director of pancreatic cancer research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The pancreas, a long, flat organ deep in the abdomen, produces enzymes and hormones that aid in digestion. Pancreas-related symptoms can be elusive, but there are key warning signs you should talk to your doctor about. Here are five of them.
Unusual stools:
Light-colored, spongy stools indicate poor nutrient absorption. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digest fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K. When your pancreas isn’t working properly, your stools may be light, loose, oily, or greasy. If these symptoms occur frequently during bowel movements, it’s important to tell your doctor.
Abdominal pain:
Abdominal pain is a common symptom of both pancreatic cancer and acute pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas. The nature of the pain can vary depending on the underlying condition. Pain that starts in the middle of your abdomen and spreads to your middle or back, especially if it lasts for a week, may be a sign of pancreatic cancer. If you have been prescribed a proton pump inhibitor to treat reflux or other digestive problems and your symptoms don’t improve, it’s important to tell your doctor. Sudden, severe abdominal pain in the middle of your abdomen is often associated with acute pancreatitis.
Diabetes:
The pancreas produces insulin and secretes hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels. If your pancreas is damaged, you’re at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, checked your weight, and followed a healthy diet, this may prompt you to have additional pancreatic tests. Sudden changes in your diabetes management may be linked to pancreatic cancer.
Nausea after eating fatty foods:
Nausea and vomiting, especially after eating a high-fat meal, can be symptoms to watch for. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digest fats, and problems with the pancreas disrupt the process of digesting fats, leading to nausea. Fatty foods such as hamburgers, avocados, nuts, and pizza can cause nausea. Pancreatitis is a more common cause of sudden vomiting and nausea than pancreatic cancer.
Unexplained weight loss:
If you are losing weight, especially if you are a radiation patient, this weight loss may be due to pancreatic cancer or digestive problems associated with the disease. Thyroid problems and other conditions can explain rapid weight loss, but regardless of the cause, it is important to seek medical attention.
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