The NHS has issued a crucial health alert, urging the public not to ignore common symptoms that could signal pancreatic cancer. In a recent social media post, the health service stressed the importance of seeking medical advice promptly if something does not feel normal.
Understanding Pancreatic Cancer
Health experts explain that pancreatic cancer can develop anywhere within the pancreas. This vital organ, located in the upper abdomen, plays a key role in digestion and produces essential hormones like insulin. The seriousness of the condition depends on factors such as the tumour's location and size, whether it has spread, and the patient's overall health.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
The NHS warns that symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be subtle and are often mistaken for less serious conditions. It is crucial to be aware of the following signs:
General symptoms may include:
- The whites of your eyes or your skin turning yellow (jaundice), potentially accompanied by itchy skin, darker urine, and paler stools than usual.
- An unexplained loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss.
- Feeling unusually tired or having no energy.
- Experiencing a high temperature, or feeling hot or shivery.
Digestive symptoms can also be a key indicator:
- Feeling or being sick.
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or other changes in your bowel habits.
- Pain in the upper part of your tummy and your back, which may feel worse when you are eating or lying down and better when you lean forward.
- Symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated.
The NHS emphasises that having these symptoms does not definitely mean you have cancer, but it is vital to get checked by a GP. If cancer is the cause, finding it earlier can make treatment more effective.
What to Expect at Your GP Appointment
If you visit your GP with these concerns, they will likely examine your abdomen and may request a urine sample or a blood test. Should your symptoms warrant further investigation, your GP can make an urgent referral for you to see a specialist in a hospital setting.
To help you prepare for your appointment, Cancer Research UK suggests writing down questions you may want to ask. These could include:
- Do I need to see a specialist and is it urgent?
- When and where will I see them?
- What tests will I need and what do they involve?
- How long will I have to wait for results?
If your GP decides that tests or a referral are not necessary, you can ask for an explanation, advice on managing your symptoms, and who to contact if your condition changes or worsens.
