​Pancreatic cancer: Study claims these two early symptoms can help in quick detection of cancerous growth​

As per health reports and surveys, pancreatic cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. It is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world.

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the incidence of pancreatic cancer in India is lower in comparison to western countries however, "irrespective of the incidence of the disease, survival in patients with pancreatic cancer is generally low with the 1-year and 5-year relative survival rates for all stages being 29% and 7%, respectively."

Now, two symptoms that can appear up to a year before diagnosis have been identified. These are increased thirst and dark yellow urine, Huffington Post has reported citing a study by Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences.

"Of course, these symptoms may not be an indicator of pancreatic cancer, researchers found that patients diagnosed with the cancer had a higher chance of experiencing these symptoms up to a year before diagnosis," the report adds.

As per Dr Wiqi Liao from the Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, these symptoms can help physicians and doctors to quickly refer the patients for urgent tests.

While Dr Liao's statement focuses on diagnosis, detecting these symptoms can be helpful for patients as well. People often ignore these signs assuming these to be something less serious.

As per ICMR report on pancreatic cancer, the initial symptoms seen in those who develop pancreatic cancer are weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea, and dyspepsia or indigestion.

The ICMR report talks about the pattern of the incidence of symptoms in pancreatic cancer. It says that more than 60% of these cancers start in the head of the pancreas and the symptoms are jaundice, pale stools, and itching.

The ICMR report also talks about diabetes and incidence of pancreatic cancer. Diabetes is also a symptom of pancreatic cancer. Cancerous growth in the pancreas can make the body resistant to insulin.

The ICMR report says that some patients may have new onset diabetes, depression, or thrombophlebitis. "In a longstanding diabetic patient sudden unexplained weight loss, or loss of blood sugar control may be features of pancreatic cancer," it says.

Inherited mutation in the BRCA2 gene is the reason behind familial pancreatic cancer which accounts for 10% of the cases.

Common risk factors for pancreatic cancer are Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a genetic condition that leads to formation of polyps in the digestive tract, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome.

Smoking, obesity, diabetes, especially long term diabetes are considered biggest risk factors for pancreatic cancer along with alcohol consumption, improper dietary habits and less physical activity.

​Women with diabetes are 12% more likely to develop heart diseases than men: Study​