Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect early because symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has progressed. Most of the symptoms below are more commonly caused by non-cancerous conditions, but if they are persistent, worsening, or occur together, they should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
1. Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
This is one of the most common early signs of pancreatic cancer affecting the head of the pancreas.
It may be accompanied by:
- Dark urine
- Pale or clay-coloured stools
- Itchy skin
Jaundice requires prompt medical evaluation because it can indicate a blockage of the bile duct.
2. Persistent abdominal pain
Pain may:
- Occur in the upper abdomen
- Spread to the back
- Be worse after eating or when lying down
- Improve somewhat when leaning forward
3. Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying, especially if combined with poor appetite or fatigue, should be evaluated.
4. New-onset diabetes
Developing diabetes unexpectedly—particularly after age 50, without typical risk factors—can sometimes be associated with pancreatic cancer. However, most people with new diabetes do not have pancreatic cancer.
5. Loss of appetite
Feeling full quickly or having little interest in eating over several weeks can be a warning sign when combined with other symptoms.
6. Digestive problems
These may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Fatty, greasy, or floating stools that are difficult to flush (caused by poor fat digestion)
7. Fatigue
Persistent, unexplained tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest can occur with many illnesses, including cancer.
8. Blood clots
Sometimes a blood clot in a leg (deep vein thrombosis) or lung (pulmonary embolism) can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer, although there are many other, more common causes.
Symptoms of a clot include:
- Swelling in one leg
- Pain or tenderness
- Redness or warmth
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (which is a medical emergency)
Who is at higher risk?
Risk increases with factors such as:
- Older age
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Chronic pancreatitis
- A strong family history of pancreatic cancer
- Certain inherited genetic conditions
When to seek urgent medical care
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting that won’t stop
- Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath
- Signs of a blood clot in the leg
When to make a medical appointment
Arrange an appointment soon if you have:
- Persistent abdominal or back pain lasting more than a few weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing loss of appetite
- New digestive symptoms that don’t improve
- New-onset diabetes together with weight loss or abdominal symptoms
Most people with these symptoms do not have pancreatic cancer, but because early diagnosis can improve treatment options, persistent or unexplained symptoms are worth discussing with a healthcare professional. They may recommend blood tests, imaging (such as an ultrasound or CT scan), or referral to a specialist depending on your symptoms and medical history.