What are the first signs of pancreatic cancer?

The pancreas sits behind the stomach and helps with digestion and blood sugar control. A tumour can affect nearby bile ducts, digestion, or pain-sensitive tissues. Jaundice may cause yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or itching. Pain may reach through to the back, while appetite loss and weight loss can develop gradually. These symptoms are not specific to pancreatic cancer: gallbladder disease, ulcers, liver problems, diabetes, and other conditions can produce similar changes.

Arrange medical assessment for unexplained jaundice, ongoing upper abdominal pain, persistent appetite loss, or weight loss without trying. Bring a list of medicines and describe stool, urine, pain, and eating changes. A clinician may use blood tests and imaging, then arrange specialist review if findings need further clarification. Treatment depends on the location and extent of disease and may involve surgery, systemic treatment, radiotherapy, or supportive care.

Seek urgent help for new jaundice with fever, confusion, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, dehydration, or inability to keep fluids down. Prompt assessment is also needed for rapidly worsening pain, black stools, or fainting. These warning signs can reflect several urgent conditions and should not be explained away as ordinary indigestion.

Ask which causes are being considered, which tests are suitable, and when results will be available. If a scan shows a pancreatic abnormality, ask whether a specialist review or tissue sampling is needed and how symptoms such as pain, nutrition, or jaundice will be managed.