Caused by a buildup of bilirubin when a tumor blocks the bile duct. Look for:
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Pale or greasy stools
- Itchy skin
⚠️ Note: Jaundice without pain can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer—don’t assume it’s just liver-related.
4. New-Onset Diabetes (After Age 50)
Developing type 2 diabetes suddenly after age 50, especially with no family history or obesity, can be a red flag. Pancreatic tumors can disrupt insulin production.
5. Digestive Problems & Floating Stools
Poor fat digestion due to low enzyme production leads to:
- Pale, oily, foul-smelling stools that float
- Bloating, gas, or diarrhea after meals
- Nausea or loss of appetite
6. Loss of Appetite or Early Satiety
Feeling full after just a few bites—or having no interest in food—can occur when a tumor presses on the stomach.
7. Blood Clots (Especially Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Unexplained blood clots in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) can be an early paraneoplastic syndrome linked to pancreatic cancer. If you develop a clot with no clear cause, investigate further.
8. Fatigue That Doesn’t Improve with Rest
Extreme, persistent tiredness—not relieved by sleep—can be a systemic response to cancer.
9. Enlarged Gallbladder or Liver
A doctor may detect this during an exam. A tumor blocking the bile duct can cause the gallbladder to swell (Courvoisier’s sign).
10. New Digestive Discomfort After Age 50
If you suddenly develop indigestion, acid reflux, or bloating that’s unlike your usual pattern—and doesn’t respond to antacids—it warrants evaluation.
❤️ Important Notes
- These symptoms are often caused by benign conditions (like gallstones, hepatitis, or IBS).
- BUT: When they are new, persistent, worsening, or occur together, they should never be dismissed—especially in people over 50 or with risk factors (smoking, family history, chronic pancreatitis).
🩺 When to see a doctor:
- Symptoms last more than 2 weeks
- You have unexplained weight loss + jaundice or pain
- You’re over 50 with new-onset diabetes + digestive changes
💡 Early Detection Saves Lives
While there’s no routine screening test for pancreatic cancer, imaging (like CT, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound) and blood tests (like CA19-9, though not definitive) can help if symptoms raise concern.
“Don’t wait for proof. Trust your body—and your instincts.”
If something feels off, advocate for yourself. Early diagnosis, while challenging, offers the best chance for treatment and survival.
💛 Your health is worth the conversation.