Early Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer You Should Never Ignore

The pancreas is a small but very important organ located behind your stomach. It helps in digestion and controls blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer often develops silently, showing very few symptoms in the early stages. By the time it’s detected, it may already be advanced — which makes early diagnosis extremely important.

If you experience any persistent changes in your digestion or unexplained health issues, it’s best to get evaluated by a Gastroenterologist in Pune like Dr. Samrat Jankar at Kaizen Gastro Care, Wakad.

Let’s understand the early warning signs you should never ignore.

• Persistent Upper Abdominal Pain or Back Pain: One of the most common early signs of pancreatic cancer is dull pain in the upper abdomen that sometimes spreads to the back. It may worsen after meals or when lying down. Many people mistake it for acidity or muscle strain, but if it continues for more than a few days, it needs medical attention.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss without any change in diet or exercise can be an early red flag. The tumor may interfere with the pancreas’s ability to digest food, leading to poor absorption of nutrients and loss of appetite.
• Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin or Eyes): When pancreatic cancer blocks the bile duct, it causes jaundice, making your skin and eyes appear yellow. You may also notice dark urine and pale stools. This symptom often appears early in cancers located near the head of the pancreas.
• Nausea, Indigestion, or Bloating: Persistent indigestion, bloating after meals, or a heavy stomach can sometimes be linked to pancreatic or other digestive cancers. If your acidity or gas doesn’t improve with routine medicine, consult a Pancreas Specialist in Pune for a check-up.
• Loss of Appetite or Feeling Full Quickly: Many patients report losing interest in food or feeling full after eating very little. This happens because the growing tumor can press against nearby organs and affect digestion.
• Sudden Onset of Diabetes: The pancreas controls insulin, so a sudden increase in blood sugar levels or new-onset diabetes — especially in adults with no history — can sometimes be an early sign of pancreatic problems. Always get your pancreas checked if diabetes develops suddenly.
• Pale, Greasy, or Floating Stools: When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes, your stool can appear pale, oily, or float in the toilet bowl. This happens because fat is not digested properly — a condition called steatorrhea.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Constant tiredness without any clear reason is another subtle symptom. The body uses extra energy to fight the disease, and poor digestion further drains your strength.