Signs & symptoms
Symptoms and diagnosis
Signs of pancreatic cancer vary and sometimes do not occur until the disease is in an advanced stage.
Many of these symptoms are common to other digestive system ailments. That is why it is so difficult to diagnose and detect pancreatic cancer during early stages. Check with your doctor if you experience these symptoms — especially if you are diabetic or prediabetic and have a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Symptoms can include
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Digestive problems
- New or worsening diabetes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itching
- Changes in stool
- Feeling very tired
- Loss of appetite
A bump, pain under the shoulder blades, sudden weight loss, or a mass felt during stretching or daily life is never something to ignore. Imaging — CT, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound — and biopsy are how teams confirm a diagnosis and stage the disease.
NPCF can help you find cancer centers, navigators, and next steps. Call 1-800-859-NPCF.
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