A senior NHS pancreatic surgeon has issued a vital health warning, revealing that a specific type of persistent back pain could be a sign of a deadly disease.
The Silent Threat of Pancreatic Cancer
Neville Menezes, a consultant pancreatic surgeon at Ashford and St Peter's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, is urging the public not to ignore early warning signs. He emphasises that pancreatic cancer often develops quietly, with symptoms becoming severe only once the disease is advanced.
Statistics from Cancer Research UK underscore the seriousness of this cancer. While it is the tenth most common cancer in the UK, it is the fifth most common cause of cancer death, accounting for approximately 10,100 deaths in the country every year.
Key Symptom: The Pain That Doesn't Go Away
One of the critical symptoms highlighted by Mr Menezes is persistent upper abdominal or back pain that fails to respond to standard medical treatments like painkillers or medication for stomach acid.
This advice is supported by major cancer organisations. Cancer Research UK states that pain in the tummy or back, or both, is a common occurrence with pancreatic cancer. The pain is often described as a dull or gnawing sensation that may begin in the upper abdomen and spread to the sides or back. It can sometimes worsen after eating or when lying down.
Similarly, Pancreatic Cancer Action notes that mid-back pain can be caused by a tumour invading nerves or organs near the pancreas. Some people report feeling pain in their shoulder or under their shoulder blade.
Other Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Mr Menezes stressed that the following symptoms, especially when experienced together, should never be overlooked and warrant a GP visit if they persist for more than four weeks:
- Unexplained weight loss or a persistent loss of appetite.
- Jaundice, where the skin or eyes turn yellow, often with dark urine or pale stools.
- New-onset diabetes, particularly in people over 50 with no family history.
- Persistent digestive issues like nausea, indigestion, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.
- Itchy skin, which can sometimes appear before jaundice.
"These symptoms don’t always mean pancreatic cancer," Mr Menezes clarified, "but if they persist for more than four weeks, it’s crucial to see your GP to make sure that these are not serious symptoms." Recognising these subtle bodily changes and acting quickly can be life-saving.
