Pancreatic cancer: The painful symptom that could indicate a spreading tumour

Pancreatic cancer is the twelfth most common cancer worldwide. Just like other types of cancers, pancreatic cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas is a small gland or organ situated behind the stomach that produces and releases substances in the body. It not only helps produce substances or enzymes that help with digestion, but also assists in releasing hormones that control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream. Having said that, pancreatic cancer can be extremely worrisome. The key however is to detect it as early as possible and to start treatment immediately.

Also read: Heart attack: How often you go to the toilet daily signals risk of future heart attack

Pancreatic cancer types can be categorized into two larger parts, which are exocrine pancreatic cancer, including adenocarcinoma, and neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, whereas pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a less common type.

Imaging tests can help diagnose pancreatic cancer. But, to get an exact diagnosis, the doctor will to extract a tissue sample, or biopsy, of the tumor.

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), pancreatic cancers often first spread within the abdomen (belly) and to the liver and can also spread to the lungs, bone, brain, and other organs. This type of cancer which has spread to other organs in the body is also called advanced pancreatic cancer, as per Cancer Research UK.

The symptoms can either coincide with the pancreatic cancer that hasn't spread or can be different but more difficult to manage.

Also read: Regular nightmares in middle-aged people could be linked to dementia; try the '10-3-2-1-0' rule for a sound sleep

Depending on where the cancer has spread, the symptoms may vary. But one sign of spreading tumour is pain, according to Cancer Research UK.

The Charity describes the pain as “gnawing” and notes that it can be continuous - the cause being the breaking down of the living tissues that build the skeleton.

The area in the body that can be most affected is the back. The pain in this part of the body can be persistent, says the Charity.

However, according to the UK's National Health Services (NHS), this backache can also occur when the cancer hasn't even spread. The health body warns against a worsening pain when eating or lying down.

Some other signs of advanced pancreatic cancer include:

- Weaker bones that can fracture easily

- Increased blood calcium (hypercalcaemia) levels, which can cause dehydration, confusion, sickness, and gastrointestinal problems

- Low levels of blood cells

According to Cleveland Clinic, some of the common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

- Upper abdominal pain that may spread to the back

- Jaundice

- Fatigue and tiredness

- Loss of appetite

- Light-colored poop

- Dark-colored pee

- Weight loss

- Blood clots in the body

- Itchy skin

- New or worsening diabetes

- Nausea and vomiting

Experiencing all the symptoms listed above does not necessarily mean you have pancreatic cancer.

Cancer Research UK explains: “It might not mean that you have advanced cancer if you have the symptoms described below."

“They can be caused by other conditions.”

The best way to find out is to talk to a doctor or physician and get a complete medical checkup.

In order to prevent pancreatic cancer, one must get themselves medically examined. Those who are at a greater risk of developing the condition must be more vigilant.

Some of the risk factors include:

Age - Most people who develop pancreatic cancer are older than 45.

Gender - It is believed that more men than women are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

Smoking - Those who smoke may be at a greater risk.

Obesity - One must also maintain a healthy weight as obesity can increase one's risk.

Apart from that, how healthy you eat, how much you exercise can also affect your risk of pancreatic cancer.

While there is no particular reason why you can develop pancreatic cancer, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Firstly, make sure you're eating a healthy diet. Include more of green veggies, colourful fruits and avoid processed, oily and sugary foods.

Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise regularly, even if it means going for short walks.

Most importantly, steer clear of unhealthy habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption.