Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Tummy pain or back pain are common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. The pain may start as general discomfort or tenderness in the tummy area and spread to the back.

Some people have no pain at all, and pain can vary from person to person. For example, it may come and go at first but become more constant over time. It can be worse when lying down, and sitting forward can sometimes make it feel better. It may be worse after eating.

If you are over 60, have lost weight and have tummy or back pain, your GP should refer you for an urgent CT scan or ultrasound scan within two weeks.

If you are over 60, your GP should refer you to have a CT scan within two weeks if you have lost weight, and have any of the following symptoms:

• tummy or back pain

• feeling sick or being sick

• diarrhoea

• constipation

• or you have been diagnosed with diabetes in the last year.

If a CT scan isn’t available, you may be sent for an ultrasound scan. Read about the tests used to diagnose pancreatic cancer.

Indigestion causes a painful, burning feeling in your chest. It can also leave a bitter, unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Indigestion can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer, but it can also be a symptom of more common problems and not due to pancreatic cancer. Speak to your GP if you get indigestion a lot.

Losing your appetite and not feeling like eating can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer, but it can also be caused by other things. Speak to your GP if you have lost your appetite and you don’t know why.

Pancreatic cancer can cause diarrhoea (runny poo) and constipation (when you find it harder to poo). If you are over 60, have lost weight and have diarrhoea or constipation, your GP should refer you for a CT scan or ultrasound scan within two weeks.

Pancreatic cancer can also cause pale, oily poo – which is called steatorrhoea. Poo may be large, smell horrible, float and can be difficult to flush down the toilet. This is caused by fat in the poo. It happens if pancreatic cancer has affected your digestion, so that fat in your food isn’t digested properly.

Pancreatic cancer can cause jaundice by blocking the bile duct. The bile duct is the tube that takes bile from the liver to the duodenum (which is the first part of the small intestine).

Signs of jaundice include yellow skin and whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale poo and itchy skin. Some people also feel sick, lose weight or feel tired. Jaundice can be caused by other non-cancerous conditions such as gallstones or hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).

If you think you have jaundice, go to your GP or A&E straight away. If you are over 40 and become jaundiced, your GP should refer you to see a specialist for tests within two weeks.

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of sugar in the blood (blood sugar level) is too high. The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which helps to control the blood sugar level. Pancreatic cancer can stop the pancreas producing enough insulin, which can cause diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

• feeling very thirsty

• peeing more often than normal, especially at night

• losing weight

• feeling tired.

Speak to your GP if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and have any other symptoms listed on this page. You should also speak to your GP if you have diabetes that has become more difficult to control recently.

Your GP should refer you for a CT scan within two weeks if you are over 60, have lost weight and have recently been diagnosed with diabetes. If a CT scan isn’t available, you may be sent for an ultrasound scan.

The pancreas plays an important role in breaking down food (digestion). It is common for pancreatic cancer to cause problems with eating and digesting food.

Symptoms of this include feeling full up quickly when you eat, bloating of your tummy, lots of wind, and burping. But these symptoms are common problems and aren’t usually due to pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer can make you feel sick or be sick (nausea and vomiting). If you are over 60, have lost weight and have nausea or vomiting, your GP should refer you for a CT scan or an ultrasound scan within two weeks.

Pancreatic cancer can cause blood clots, which are also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Blood clots often happen in your lower leg, but they can happen anywhere in your arms or legs.

Some people don’t get any symptoms of blood clots. Other people may have some pain, swelling or redness in the area of the clot, and the affected area might feel warm to touch. If you have any of these symptoms it’s important to speak to your GP right away. These symptoms can be caused by other things, but it is worth having them checked.

Sometimes, part of a blood clot can break off and travel in the blood to the arteries in the lungs, where it can cause a blockage. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). This is more serious, and may cause shortness of breath, sudden chest pain or a dry cough. It is important to see a GP if you have these symptoms, or go to A&E if you can’t get in touch with your GP.

References

If you would like the references to the sources used to write this information, email us at publications@pancreaticcancer.org.uk

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following people who reviewed our information on symptoms.

• Ganesh Radhakrishna, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester
• Willie Hamilton, Professor of Primary Care Diagnostics, University of Exeter
• Victoria Allen, GP with Specialist Interest in HPB Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
• Pancreatic Cancer UK Information Volunteers
• Pancreatic Cancer UK Specialist Nurses