Chronic fatigue that persists despite rest
Light-colored stools or dark urine, associated with problems with bile flow
Nausea, bloating, indigestion, especially after meals
New-onset diabetes after the age of 50, without obvious risk factors
Individually, these may seem unimportant, but together they should not be ignored.
Anyone can get pancreatic cancer, but certain factors increase vulnerability:
Age: Most cases occur after the age of 60
Smoking: Doubles the risk (about 25% of cases are related to smoking)
Family history: A close relative with pancreatic cancer significantly increases the risk
Late-onset type 2 diabetes: Develops after the age of 50 without any apparent cause
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle: Promote chronic inflammation
Chronic pancreatitis, especially alcohol-related
The bottom line
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and devastating if caught late. Awareness is the first line of defense. If you or a loved one experiences persistent abdominal/back pain or unexplained weight loss, seek medical help immediately.
It’s better to raise false alarms than to discover this disease too late. Knowing the early signs can save precious time – and lives.
