Pancreatic cancer is known as a ‘silent killer’ because it is often difficult to detect until it has progressed
The NHS wants people to be aware of the common symptoms of pancreatic cancer, referred to by some as a “silent killer”. Pancreatic cancer is known as such because it is often difficult to detect until it has progressed, and it has the highest mortality rate of all cancers.
Survival rates are poor, with just 25% of those who are diagnosed surviving more than a year. Only 5% live for ten years or more after being told they have pancreatic cancer.
A new update on X, formerly Twitter, from the official NHS account reads: “Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be caused by lots of things, which can make it hard to diagnose.”
“It’s important to be checked by a GP if things don’t feel normal for you, or if any symptoms change or get worse.” The update then lists a number of common signs of pancreatic cancer, including two that can show up on the skin.
Yellowing skin is often experienced, though it may not be as apparent on darker complexions, and skin itchiness can also occur. Other common symptoms include a high temperature or feeling hot or shivery, diarrhoea or constipation, or other changes in your poo, pain at the top part of your tummy and your back, loss of appetite and/or unexplained weight loss, feeling tired or having no energy, feeling or being sick and symptoms of indigestion, the whites of your eyes turning yellow, and/or darker pee than usual.
The NHS further advises: “If you have another condition like irritable bowel syndrome, you may get symptoms like these regularly. You might find you get used to them.”
“But it’s important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse or do not feel normal for you.”