Many individuals may not realise they have pancreatic cancer until it has advanced significantly.
A medical authority has identified seven key early indicators of pancreatic cancer. Dr Berg DC, who has an impressive following of 13 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, recently posted a video where he shared insights on this lethal disease, labelling it as “one of the most deadly types of cancer.”
He explained the insidious nature of the illness, saying: “The unique thing about pancreatic cancer is that a lot of times you don’t have any symptoms until it’s very far into its progression. This is why they call it the silent killer, because by the time you know you have it, a lot of times it’s too late. The more you can identify these early triggers, the greater the prognosis is going to be.”
Dr Berg’s credentials include being a chiropractor with a deep focus on ketosis and intermittent fasting. He penned the widely-read ‘The Healthy Keto Plan’ and acts as the Director of Dr Berg Nutritionals. His current pursuits lie in health education via social media, having moved away from practising.
The pancreas, located in the upper part of the abdomen, is essential for digestion and hormone production, including insulin. According to Surrey Live, the seriousness of pancreatic cancer hinges on factors such as its location within the organ, size, whether it has spread, and the patient’s general health.
Pancreatic cancer can affect anyone, and the exact causes often remain uncertain. However, individuals over 65, those with specific health conditions like chronic pancreatitis, or a family history of pancreatic cancer might have a higher risk. Lifestyle factors may also play a significant role in many cases.
The NHS points out: “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.”
Dr Berg contributed a list of seven distinct warning signs for pancreatic cancer, including one particularly noticeable symptom related to eating.
Stay vigilant for these early-warning indicators of pancreatic cancer:
1. Feeling full
Experiencing a sensation of fullness after consuming very little food might also be indicative of pancreatic cancer. Dr Berg explains: “When you eat just a little bit of food, this symptom can definitely come because you’re obviously eating the wrong food, and you’re getting bloating really quick. If you have pancreatic cancer, that could be one of them as well.”
2. Pains in the abdomen
The discomfort is typically a lingering dull pain that may reach towards the left shoulder blade. Pain originating near the belly button, radiating towards the back and worsening post-meals is another common symptom.
3. Jaundice
Marked by the yellowing of the eyes and dark urine, it can occur when bile accumulates in the blood. Dr Berg advises: “Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) can be a good remedy for this. Take two on an empty stomach twice a day to open the bile ducts”. It’s essential, however, to consult with your doctor before starting any treatment.
4. Chronic diarrhoea
This is another symptom often associated with pancreatic cancer, especially since the disease frequently affects the part of the pancreas involved in producing digestive enzymes.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes may arise due to a tumour in the pancreas that hampers insulin-producing cells. Dr Berg outlines the process: “What potentially could happen is that a tumour in the pancreas could be disrupting the cells that produce insulin.”
He continued: “You have this overproduction of insulin, and then your body is compensating for the high blood sugar. It does that for many years until the point where your pancreas is just kind of just too tired, and it stops producing insulin now you can’t regulate the sugar you can’t suppress the blood sugar, so your blood glucose goes higher and that’s diabetes.”
6. Unintended weight loss
When there are issues with the pancreas, which is crucial for digestion and regulating blood sugars, this can lead to unexplained weight reduction. “You’re not trying to lose weight, but all of a sudden, you’re losing weight because pancreatic cancer starts in the pancreas, which is involved in digestion and blood sugars. If there’s a problem with that gland, it’s going to affect your digestion, your appetite, and you could lose a lot of weight,” Dr Berg said.
7. Persistent fatigue
Persistent fatigue is a symptom to watch out for; it’s described as an overwhelming, chronic tiredness that doesn’t get better with more rest. If you’re diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it’s advised to avoid sugar.
The NHS cautions: “Some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions. Having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have pancreatic cancer, but it’s important to get checked by a GP. If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it’s easier to treat.”
What can increase your risk of pancreatic cancer
A range of factors can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer, including smoking, being overweight, having diabetes, suffering from chronic pancreatitis, and a family history of the condition. Additionally, diets high in red and processed meats and exposure to certain chemicals can elevate the risk.
Dr Berg says risk factors for pancreatic cancer include the following:
- Smoking tobacco
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Alcohol consumption
- Genetic factors
- Vitamin D deficiency
“Vitamin D may help shrink cancer and enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer,” he explained. A deficiency in vitamin D is often found in those with pancreatic cancer and might correlate with poorer outcomes.
Some studies suggest a link between low levels of vitamin D and increased inflammatory markers, as well as lower survival rates in the initial stages of pancreatic cancer. However, other research has not found a significant connection between vitamin D deficiency and survival rates in later stages of the disease.
What happens at a GP appointment?
The NHS says: “A GP may feel your tummy. They may ask you to give a pee sample or have a blood test. You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in the hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.”
Ways to potentially lower your risk of pancreatic cancer
The NHS notes: “You cannot always prevent pancreatic cancer. But making healthy changes can lower your chances of getting it.”