An expert in the field has warned people to look out for three serious symptoms of pancreatic cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates a total of 67,440 to are diagnosed with this type of cancer every year. Here are the three silent symptoms you should be looking out for.
Around 51,980 people lose their lives to pancreatic cancer every year. According to Pancreatic Cancer UK’s data, fewer than 7% of those diagnosed with the cancer survive for longer than 5 years.
Dr. Ahmed Ezzat, who is a leading cancer surgeon, reflected on those statistics in a recent TikTok. “Less than 10 percent of all patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will make it to 10 years after diagnosis,” the expert was heard saying in the clip that is now going viral.
Doctor reveals silent symptoms of pancreatic cancer
The surgeon spoke about the three signs of the cancer that he calls the “silent killers.” The first possible symptom the surgeon noted could be low blood sugar. The low blood sugar can result in bouts of hunger at odd hours. An individual’s type 2 diabetes suddenly worsening could also be a symptom of this type of cancer.
“This is because the pancreas produces insulin, which is responsible for regulating your blood sugar,” Dr. Ahmed explains, as per The Express. The surgeon also places emphasis on getting checked by your general practitioner if the symptom persists.
#PancreaticCancer has one of the poorest #cancer prognosis, with a 5% five year survival rate. Risk factors include smoking tobacco, obesity and genetics. There are hundreds of #research studies dedicated to pancreatic cancer treatment, and many use tissue models such as PANC-1. pic.twitter.com/Uk1Edn3LaK
— Altogen Biosystems (@transfectionCRO) January 8, 2019
The second symptom, according to the surgeon, is sudden back and abdominal pain. The NHS also asks to observe if the pain worsens when reclining or eating. It is crucial to note if the pain eases when you lean forward.
“If you notice signs of abdominal aches or back pain, then this is really important to get investigated,” the surgeon notes. It would be a good time to get checked by your GP if you are experiencing similar symptoms.
The third telltale sign of this type of cancer could be jaundice. The surgeon notes how bilirubin buildup, which can be noticed in the eyes, is often linked to liver disease or even cancer.
PANCREATIC CANCER A SILENT KILLER ‼️
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive and deadly disease with
Low survival rate, High mortality rate and Rapid progression.
Affects the global population especially people above 45 years and those with a family history.
HOW DOES SUGAR… pic.twitter.com/348QQz1R7y
— Healthy Eating with Nazo (@EATINGWITHNAZO) August 8, 2024
A high number of people who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed extremely late. According to a report, most people with this type of cancer get diagnosed when it has already reached stage three or four. The survival rate of a patient can be increased by six times if the diagnosis is done in the first stage compared to the fourth stage.
Pancreatic Cancer UK notes a few other symptoms of the cancer to be indigestion, abrupt weight loss, decreased appetite, nausea, fatigue, and blood clots.
