People with cancer at the body or tail of the pancreas, located in the upper abdomen or on the left side near the spleen, are more likely to experience weight loss. Tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas are often diagnosed at a later stage.
See your doctor if you experience any new, persistent or unexplained symptoms such as:
- Appetite loss or unintended weight loss
- Blood clots
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Dark-colored urine or light-colored stools
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Itchy skin
- Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates into the middle of the back
- Sudden-onset diabetes
Any of these symptoms can be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to know what is causing a particular symptom is to see your doctor.
Listen to Your Body
You know your body — what is normal and what is not. It is important to stay vigilant about any ongoing, recurring or worsening symptoms. Consulting your physician when symptoms begin or worsen can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
Keep a record of your symptoms to monitor how often they occur and if they seem to be getting better or worse with time. If something feels “off” or a change from your normal experience, schedule an appointment with your health care provider as soon as possible
What To Do if an Inherited Disease Runs in Your Family
Many families have a disease or condition that seems to "run in the family." But when should you worry about it? Follow these steps if you think you or your loved ones are at risk for developing an inherited disease such as pancreatic cancer.
