Pancreatic cancer: The colour of your urine could signal the first sign of this cancer

Pancreas is an organ in your abdomen which releases enzymes to aid digestion and produces hormones that help manage blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas.

Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare but it is one of the deadliest cancers, partly because it is often detected later at a more serious stage. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, the cancer can rapidly spread to neighbouring tissue.

Ampullary cancer forms in an area of your digestive system called the ampulla of Vater, which is located where the bile duct and pancreatic duct join and empty into the small intestine.

Health experts note that one of the earliest common signs of pancreatic cancer is jaundice.

According to the American Cancer Society, most people with pancreatic cancer, and nearly all people with ampullary cancer, will have jaundice as one of their first symptoms.

Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes turn yellow. This yellow colour is caused by a high level of bilirubin in the blood. As bilirubin levels increase, your urine can also become brown in colour.

Bilirubin is a dark yellow-brown substance made in the liver. It plays an important role in the body's clearance of waste products that arise from the destruction of aged or abnormal red blood cells. However, it can build up in the blood when the bile duct becomes blocked, such as from a tumour.

Bilirubin normally helps give stools their brown colour. If the bile duct is blocked, stools might become light coloured or grey. Aside from causing brown urine, when bilirubin builds up in the skin, it causes it to itch and turn yellow.

If you notice any such bodily changes, it is advised to consult a doctor for further examination.

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Apart from the above-mentioned signs, pancreatic cancer can also lead to abdominal pain that radiates to your back and loss of appetite or unintended weight loss. There may also be a new diagnosis of diabetes or the existing diabetes will become more difficult to control.

Blood clots and fatigue can also happen to people with pancreatic cancer.

There is no definite way to avert pancreatic cancer, but preventive measures may help to reduce your risk of developing any kind of cancer.

Studies have shown that people most at risk of pancreatic cancer were impacted by a combination of factors such as smoking, long-standing diabetes and a poor diet.

Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet are some steps that can positively impact your overall health.

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A healthy diet should include colourful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Protein-rich foods are also essential to repair the damaged cells in your body and strengthen the immune system. Include lean proteins in your diet such as eggs, nut butter, low-fat dairy, beans, soy products, and grilled or boiled chicken, turkey and fish.

According to the American Cancer Society, one should avoid red and processed meals, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods.