Pancreatic cancer - recognising the symptoms that can be easy to dismiss

How does pancreatic cancer affect your body?

Your pancreas is a dual-function organ that sits behind your stomach. It plays a fundamental role in your body’s digestion (exocrine function), and hormones that control blood sugar regulation (endocrine function).

Mr Nikolaos Chatzizacharias is a Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Liver Transplant Surgeon, based in Birmingham, UK. He explains that pancreatic cancer affects your body, both systematically, and through the functions of your pancreas.

“The pancreas secretes insulin and glucagone - two hormones that regulate sugar metabolism and glucose levels in your blood,” he says. “It also secretes pancreatic enzymes that are released into your bowel to help with the breakdown and digestion of all types of food. Both of these functions are affected by pancreatic cancer.”

This can lead to issues with sugar metabolism, high blood glucose levels, and digestive issues.

In addition, there may also be unintentional weight loss that’s more noticeable as the cancer progresses.

Mr Nikolaos Chatzizacharias

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What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

In its early stages, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be subtle, may come and go, develop gradually, and are often mistaken for more common health issues.

It can be difficult to recognise potential warning signs that may warrant further medical investigation.

However, although symptoms can vary from person to person, Chatzizacharias highlights some common signs to look out for.

Why is pancreatic cancer so difficult to recognise?

In its early stages, pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause any symptoms until the cancer grows - so, spotting any potential signs and acting early matters.

Chatzizacharias explains that even though your pancreas is located close to several important organs and structures, tumours often need to grow to a substantial size before they affect these surrounding areas and cause noticeable symptoms.

Pancreatic Cancer Action state that in the UK, over 44% of patients are diagnosed as an emergency in A&E, with cancer likely to have spread to other parts of the body. As such, pancreatic cancer is the UK’s 5th largest cancer killer.

The earlier pancreatic cancer is detected, the more chances there are for successful treatment, and better outcomes.

Can pancreatic cancer be treated?

Chatzizacharias explains that treatment options are available for pancreatic cancer. However, the most appropriate approach depends on several factors - such as the stage of the disease, the health and wishes of the person, and any potential medical intervention.

The stage of pancreatic cancer at diagnosis helps determine how far the disease has progressed, and what treatment options may be suitable. These can include surgery and chemotherapy, with the aim of giving people the best possible chance of longer-term survival.

Are there any known risk factors for pancreatic cancer?

According to Chatzizacharias, around 5-10% of people with pancreatic cancer in the UK carry genetic mutations than can also increase their chance of developing other conditions or types of cancer.

He adds that, alongside hereditary risk, several common factors may also play a role.

Some examples are:

• Older age.

• Smoking.

• Overweight and obesity.

• Chronic pancreatitis.

• Diabetes.

If you are uncertain about risk factors, please arrange to speak with your doctor, or visit Pancreatic Cancer UK who have compiled a useful fact sheet.