The NHS has highlighted an eye symptom that could signal pancreatic cancer, a disease often called a "silent killer" because it produces few noticeable signs in its early stages.
Around 10,500 to 11,500 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, making it the 10th most common cancer overall. In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, the health service listed the symptoms of the disease, noting that some people may not show any signs "or they might be hard to spot" - but it is important to look out for any changes.
Key symptom to watch for
The post explains that pancreatic cancer may cause the whites of a person's eyes, or their skin, to turn yellow (jaundice). Other symptoms include itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual; loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss; fatigue and a lack of energy; a high temperature or feeling hot, cold or shivery; feeling or being sick; diarrhoea or constipation, or other bowel movement changes; pain at the top part of your tummy and your back, which may feel worse when you're eating or lying down and better when you lean forward; and indigestion or bloating.
The NHS adds: "Some of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but if you notice any of them, contact your GP practice."
Who is more at risk?
NHS guidance states that while anyone can develop pancreatic cancer, you could be more likely to get it if you are over the age of 65, there is a history of pancreatic cancer in your family, or you have certain medical conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis.
Many pancreatic cancers are also linked to lifestyle. You cannot always prevent the disease, but making healthy changes can lower your chances of getting it by trying to lose weight if you are overweight, cutting down on how much red and processed meat (such as ham, bacon and salami) you eat, cutting down on alcohol, and quitting smoking.
