Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early… If you have these symptoms, go to the hospital right away.

The pancreas, along with the liver, is often called a "silent organ." Because pancreatic cancer often doesn't manifest symptoms until it's advanced, it's crucial to recognize the warning signs your pancreas sends. Let's explore the warning signs that indicate pancreatic damage.

 

◇Abdominal pain

 

If you also experience unexplained abdominal pain, you should suspect pancreatic cancer or acute pancreatitis. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom, but it can manifest differently depending on the condition and location. Because the pancreas is located close to the back, back pain can also be felt alongside abdominal pain. If the pain is sudden, intense, and centered in the abdomen, it may be acute pancreatitis. Signs of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain lasting several weeks, indigestion, loss of appetite, decreased food intake due to pain, and weight loss.

◇Nausea and diarrhea after eating fatty foods

 

The pancreas is the only digestive organ that produces enzymes that help break down fat. Diseases affecting the pancreas can impair the body's ability to digest fat. If you experience a new nausea after eating fatty foods, it's worth checking your pancreatic health. High-fat hamburgers, in particular, can trigger nausea, as can high-fat avocados and nuts.

Pancreatic disease can cause oily diarrhea. Among the three major nutrients, carbohydrates and proteins are easily absorbed by the pancreas, as digestive enzymes are secreted by organs other than the pancreas. However, fats are digested and absorbed only by enzymes secreted by the pancreas. This not only prevents the body from breaking down fat and absorbing essential fatty acids, but can also lead to malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, E, and K. Pancreatic disease hinders the secretion of these enzymes, resulting in lighter stool color and reduced density.

 

◇Weight loss

 

Weight loss without any effort to diet can also be a sign of deteriorating pancreatic health. This is especially true if pancreatic cancer reduces appetite, leading to less food intake and weight loss. If you lose more than 5% of your usual body weight over six months, or 4.5 kg over a period of time, without any specific cause, it's recommended to see a doctor.

 

◇Diabetes

 

The sudden onset of diabetes is also a warning sign of pancreatic damage. Diabetes can be both a cause and a consequence of pancreatic cancer. Beta cells in the pancreas secrete insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. When pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer progresses, pancreatic cells are destroyed, along with these beta cells. This can lead to diabetes or worsening of previously well-controlled diabetes. In fact, 90% of patients with chronic pancreatitis develop diabetes as the disease progresses. If you suddenly develop or worsen diabetes in someone over 50 without any specific risk factors, such as obesity or a family history, it's imperative to be screened for pancreatic cancer.

 

 

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That's the upper part of the pancreas, right?

If you frequently experience indigestion and abdominal pain

They say we should suspect pancreatic disease.