The overlooked signs of ‘the most deadly’ and hard-to-spot cancer – from burping to bra clues
SPOTTING cancer in the early stages can save lives.
But not all cancers are easy to spot – some have vague symptoms or might not cause any symptoms at all.
One of the most misdiagnosed of all the common cancers, due to the nature of its symptoms is pancreatic cancer.
More than 43 per cent of patients are diagnosed as an emergency in A&E after having visited their GPs several times beforehand, according to Pancreatic Cancer Action.
Dr Santhi Swaroop Vege, director of the pancreatic diseases group at Mayo Clinic, describes pancreatic cancer as “the most lethal cancer in the human body”.
The only current cure is surgery.
But by the time a patient is suffering from the type of pain that warrants a trip to A&E, surgery is likely no longer an option – as the cancer has most likely spread to other parts of the body.
According to current data, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is around 7 per cent, meaning that only about 7 out of 100 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will be alive five years after diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer is known for its difficulty in early diagnosis, but the Pancreatic Cancer Action is stressing that awareness of subtle changes in energy levels, pain, and physical appearance can make all the difference.
Ade Williams MBE, Pharmacist ambassador for Pancreatic Cancer Action explains the often-overlooked symptoms of pancreatic cancer, especially when two or more are combined.
Persistent indigestion or heartburn
A burning sensation in the chest or stomach, bloating, frequent burping that does not ease with medication.
Abdominal pain or discomfort in upper back
Persistent or severe pain in the abdomen, particularly after eating. Often perceived as gallstones, IBS, or peptic ulcers.
“This is a very common symptom of pancreatic cancer, especially if it gets worse when you lie down. Many patients also complain of a dull ache in the back, exactly where a bra strap would sit,” said Ade.
New onset-diabetes
Pancreatic cancer can affect insulin production, leading to the sudden onset of diabetes, particularly in adults with no prior history or risk factors.
“Patients with existing diabetes may find their blood sugar levels more difficult to control,” said Ade.
Nausea or vomiting
Frequent nausea, vomiting soon after meals, or vomiting blood.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying, often despite normal appetite.
Itching/jaundice
Itching, often intense, can occur due to bile duct obstruction, leading to a buildup of bile salts in the skin.
“This is often accompanied by jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes),” said Ade.
Change in bowel habits
Diarrhoea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency, especially if found shortly after eating.
“Many people interpret this as IBS, lactose intolerance, or dietary changes,” said Ade.
“It is often an early symptom for pancreatic cancer, notably, if the stools are pale, fatty and difficult to flush.
“Many of these symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by a variety of benign conditions like GERD, IBS, or stress.
“This overlap can make it difficult to distinguish between a harmless issue and pancreatic cancer, especially in the early stages when symptoms are mild or intermittent.
“Many people will go to their local pharmacy to grab a packet of indigestion or diarrhoea tablets as they do not think it is worth bothering their GP about.
“We would prefer they have a word with the pharmacist while they are in there.
“Pharmacists can refer patients should we think necessary.”
When to seek medical help
Ade also advises anyone suffering with any of the above symptoms for 10 days or more to speak to a healthcare professional.
“If the symptoms have not got better within 10 days, this could signal something more sinister,” he said.
Who's most at risk of pancreatic cancer?
WHILE doctors don't know what causes most pancreatic cancers, there are some factors that can increase your risk of developing it...
Getting older
Pancreatic cancer is more common in older people, with almost half of all new cases are diagnosed in people aged 75 and over. It tends to be uncommon in people under 40 years old.
Smoking and smokeless tobacco
Around 20 out of 100 cases of pancreatic cancer in the UK (around 20 per cent) are caused by smoking. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco all increase pancreatic cancer risk. The best way for people who smoke to reduce their risk of cancer and improve their overall health, is to stop smoking completely.
Being overweight or obese
More than 10 in 100 pancreatic cancers in the UK (more than 10 per cent) are caused by being overweight or obese. This increase in risk could be because the pancreas makes more insulin in overweight people, but more research needs to be carried out.
Family cancer syndromes and genetic factors
Sometimes pancreatic cancer is found to run in families. But only between 5 and 10 in 100 people (5 to 10 per cent) diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have a family history of it.
Source: Cancer Research UK