The two symptoms we missed
In hindsight, there were two clear warning signs that we should have taken more seriously.
1. Persistent abdominal or back pain
My father initially complained of back problems, which he attributed to his posture and age. But the pain persisted, spread to his upper abdomen, and worsened at night or after meals.
This type of dull, radiating pain, especially when it persists or intensifies, is a common early sign of pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, it is often mistaken for minor digestive or muscular problems.
2. Rapid and unexplained weight loss
In three weeks, my father lost over five kilos without any effort. His appetite disappeared and he became tired. We attributed it to stress, but it was the cancer that interfered with his pancreas’s role in digestion.
Sudden weight loss without a clear cause is a warning sign and should always be a reason for a medical examination.
Other warning signs to watch for
Other warning signs to watch for
Although pain and weight loss are the most characteristic symptoms, other symptoms may also occur:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), often due to obstruction of the bile ducts
Chronic fatigue that persists despite rest
Light-colored stools or dark urine, associated with bile flow problems
Nausea, bloating, indigestion, especially after meals
Diabetes of recent onset after the age of 50, without obvious risk factors
Individually, these may seem insignificant, but together they should not be ignored.
Who is most at risk?Who is most at risk?
