Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon
MBBS, MMed (Surgery), MSc, FAMS, FRCSEd
Senior Consultant Colorectal Surgeon
MBBS, MMed (Surgery), FAMS, FRCSEd
Recognising the Signs and Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer
Your pancreas plays a key role in digestion and hormone regulation. This organ is
responsible for producing numerous types of enzymes that vary in function, from breaking
down the food you eat to helping control your blood sugar through insulin.
When a person begins suffering from pancreatic cancer, there are often very few early
warning signs, leading to the reputation of pancreatic cancer as a ‘silent killer’.
Recognising symptoms early, even if they appear mild, can prompt timely medical review and
swift action. Early evaluation by a surgeon and appropriate pancreatic screening may help
you begin pursuing treatment before it progresses further.
7 Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer often develops quietly, with symptoms that may be subtle or easily overlooked. Paying attention to these seven warning signs can support early medical evaluation, as treatment options are generally more effective when the disease is identified earlier.
1. Jaundice and Itchy Skin
Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes is one of the more visible signs of pancreatic cancer. It occurs when a tumour blocks the bile duct, causing bilirubin to build up in the bloodstream. This may also lead to generalised itching.
2. Persistent Abdominal or Back Pain
Ongoing discomfort in the upper abdomen, which may radiate to the back, can occur when a growing tumour presses on nearby nerves or organs. The pain may worsen after meals or when lying down.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unintentional and noticeable weight loss may reflect changes in digestion or metabolism. Pancreatic cancer can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients properly, leading to gradual or rapid weight loss.
4. Reduced Appetite and Digestive Changes
Some people experience early fullness, loss of appetite or changes in digestion. These symptoms can result from a reduced release of digestive enzymes or changes in digestive hormone signalling caused by a pancreatic tumour.
5. Nausea, Vomiting or Bloating
Tumours near the stomach or duodenum may partially obstruct the digestive tract. This can lead to nausea, bloating or vomiting, particularly after eating.
6. Changes in Stool or Dark Urine
Stools may appear pale, greasy, foul-smelling or float due to impaired digestion of fats. Dark-coloured urine can also occur as bile pigments build up in the body.
7. Fatigue and General Weakness
Pancreatic cancer can cause inflammation, reduced nutrient absorption and increased energy demands on the body. These factors may all lead to persistent tiredness and a feeling of weakness, with symptoms worsening as the disease progresses.
Risk Factors of Pancreatic Cancer
Some people are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than others. Knowing these risks can help you stay alert to changes in your health, make informed lifestyle choices and seek medical advice or screening at the right time.
Family History of Pancreatic Cancer
If you have a close relative with pancreatic cancer, or multiple family members who have suffered from it, you may have a higher risk of developing it yourself. In such cases, your pancreatic specialist may recommend regular screening, typically from age 50 or earlier, depending on your risk profile.
Smoking, Obesity and Diabetes
Smoking is a known risk factor that can damage pancreatic health over time. Obesity, excess abdominal fat and poorly controlled type-2 diabetes are also associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer development.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, often linked to alcohol use or genetic factors, can affect pancreatic function over time. Regular medical check-ups can help monitor any changes, alongside proper management of chronic pancreatitis through treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
Genetic Predispositions
Certain inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, or Lynch syndrome, may slightly raise the likelihood of pancreatic cancer. Genetic counselling and routine screenings can offer valuable guidance and support for those with these mutations.
What To Do if You Notice Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent or unexplained symptoms, particularly when
risk factors are present, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. While these
warning signs do not always indicate pancreatic cancer, they should not be ignored, as the
condition often escapes notice until later stages when treatment becomes more challenging.
A pancreatic specialist can evaluate symptoms through targeted imaging, blood tests and
clinical review to determine the underlying cause. Early specialist assessment does not mean
cancer is present, but it allows potential concerns to be investigated promptly, helping to
rule out serious conditions or identify pancreatic disease at an earlier, more manageable
stage.
Why Specialist Care Matters in Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is often challenging to diagnose and treat, as it tends to present at a
later stage and involves complex anatomy. An experienced specialist will have expertise in
advanced imaging, surgical evaluation and coordinated treatment planning, which are all
factors that support more accurate diagnosis and well-informed management decisions.
If you’re concerned about possible pancreatic cancer symptoms, it is best to seek medical
advice from a specialist as soon as possible. Surgical Associates is a colorectal and
hepatopancreatobiliary clinic, with expertise in conditions affecting the liver,
gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas, providing coordinated evaluation and management
tailored to each patient.
Led by Dr Lee Ser Yee, Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon, and Dr Tan Wah Siew, Senior Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, our team combines subspecialist expertise in
pancreatic and digestive conditions to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for a wide
range of conditions.
Contact us today to arrange a thorough assessment and discuss the next steps for your care
and recovery.
