Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms and Warning Signs

Pancreatic Cancer: A Silent Disease

Pancreatic cancer results from an abnormality in the cell regeneration process of the tissues that make up the pancreas. In Portugal, 1,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed each year.

According to the World Health Organization, it is one of the most common and deadly cancers, with a survival rate of 1.7%. Currently, it is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death, but it is projected to become one of the leading causes by 2030. 

Identifying pancreatic cancer—including its symptoms and warning signs—is an important step toward early diagnosis of the disease. This recognition helps improve the long-term prognosis and, as a result, increases these patients’ chances of survival.

Who is at risk?

The exact causes of pancreatic cancer are not known. However, it is possible to identify certain behaviors or preexisting conditions that may indicate a higher susceptibility to the disease.

There are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing this type of cancer, such as:

• Age over 50;
• Family history (genetic predisposition);
• Smoking;
• Obesity;
• Pancreatitis (chronic or hereditary).

Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms That Go Unnoticed

Having one or more of the symptoms described below does not necessarily mean you have pancreatic cancer. However, they may be indicative of other medical conditions that should also be monitored and diagnosed by a doctor.

Jaundice

It is characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to the accumulation of bilirubin (a bile pigment) in the blood. It can occur when there is an obstruction in the flow of bile to the intestine.

In addition, it may also be associated with:

• dark urine (brownish in color);
• lighter, paler stools (with a greasy, pale appearance);
• itchy skin;

Abdominal and/or back pain

Abdominal and/or flank pain, occurring in the upper or middle part of the abdomen and radiating to the back, should be investigated if it persists

Nausea and vomiting

These symptoms are common to various diseases, but when associated with other symptoms such as abdominal and/or back pain and jaundice, they should be investigated

If the tumor presses on a part of the stomach, it can hinder the passage of food into the intestine, causing nausea and vomiting.

Blood Clot Formation

These may occur and are considered paraneoplastic events.

Other symptoms: in more advanced stages of cancer

As the disease progresses, pancreatic cancer may present other symptoms. These include:

Weight loss and loss of appetite

Weight loss, often accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, is one of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

Diabetes

In certain situations, pancreatic cancer can contribute to the development of diabetes. This occurs because the tumor can destroy the cells that produce insulin (found in the pancreatic islets). As a result, it impairs the pancreas’s ability to produce this hormone.

Individuals aged 50 or older who have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are at high risk for pancreatic cancer.

What is the Avantect test?

The Avantect test represents a significant advance in the early detection of an increased risk for pancreatic cancer, as well as its symptoms and warning signs.

This non-invasive test, based on circulating tumor DNA, uses the latest epigenomic and genomic science, along with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, to identify the presence of cancer earlier than conventional methods.

Learn more about the Avantect test: a revolutionary innovation for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.