Pancreatic Cancer: A Devastating Diagnosis with a Poor Prognosis

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that often has a low survival rate, making it one of the most devastating diagnoses a person can receive. According to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation UK, it has the lowest survival rate among common cancers.

The Silent Nature of Pancreatic Cancer

One of the reasons why pancreatic cancer is so deadly is that it usually doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages. It is often not detected until symptoms start to appear. These symptoms typically impact the abdominal area where the tumor is located, but they can also affect other parts of the body.

Asthenia: A Subtle Warning Sign

One subtle way your body may alert you to persistent pancreatic cancer is through asthenia, also known as physical weakness. This symptom manifests as a lack of energy that can affect specific body parts or the entire body. It can make daily activities more difficult and leave you feeling weak most of the time.

Fatigue: A Common Sign of Pancreatic Cancer

Fatigue is one of the most common signs of pancreatic cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Oncology. The study found that fatigue was a significant marker in 86% of patients with the disease. Paying attention to warning signs and symptoms can help identify pancreatic cancer at an early stage.

Other Warning Signs to Watch Out For

In addition to fatigue, there are several other warning signs associated with pancreatic cancer, including:

• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Itchy skin, dark urine, and paler-than-usual stools
• Loss of appetite or weight loss without effort
• Feeling tired or lacking energy
• High fever, feeling hot, or chills
• Feeling sick
• Diarrhea, constipation, or other stool changes
• Pain in the upper abdomen and back, which may worsen when eating or lying down and lessen when you lean forward
• Symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated

While experiencing these symptoms doesn’t guarantee that you have pancreatic cancer, it is important to get checked out by a doctor. These symptoms can also be caused by other benign diseases. Early detection is crucial for any cancer.

Source: Express