Pancreatic cancer is one of the most feared, particularly because it is often detected very late. In a video that has gone viral on TikTok, Dr Ahmed Ezzat, a surgical oncologist in the NHS, warns of three discreet but revealing symptoms of this often silent disease. “Less than 10% of diagnosed patients survive more than ten years. We must act upstream“, insists the specialist, while 80% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Here are the signs that should concern you.
Unexplained variations in blood sugar
First sign that goes unnoticed: fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This can result in the onset of type 2 diabetes, or in destabilization in people who already have diabetes. The pancreas aids digestion and produces hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, that help convert sugar in food into energy. But pancreatic cancer can prevent the gland from producing enough of these hormones, which can lead to unstable blood sugar levels.
“The pancreas produces insulin. If it malfunctions, this sometimes manifests itself in blood sugar levels that are difficult to control”explains Dr. Ezzat. A sign which can also present itself in the form of irregular feelings of hunger.
Unusual abdominal or back pain
Another alert that is often overlooked or trivialized: persistent pain in the stomach or back. This is sometimes more intense after meals or when lying down. However, this discomfort can be alleviated when you lean forward.
“Even if it is not systematic, unexplained pain in these areas should prompt consultation”warns the doctor.
The beginnings of jaundice, visible in the whites of the eyes
Finally, jaundice — or jaundice — is another potential symptom, sometimes first visible in the whites of the eyes before reaching the skin. It results from the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, often caused by obstruction of the bile duct by a tumor.
A disease still poorly detected
These signs, although discreet, can precede other better known symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue or digestive problems. However, the diagnosis remains too often late, lamented Dr Olivier Marty, head of the gastroenterology department at Saint-Joseph hospital in Paris in a previous article.
“The pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, which makes it difficult to explore with imaging. And early symptoms are overly trivialized,” he alerts.
In almost half of cases, the cancer is discovered at an inoperable stage. Even when the tumor is localized, approximately 30% of patients cannot undergo surgery due to its proximity to major blood vessels.
But a worrying progression
With nearly 15,000 new cases each year in France, this cancer could however become the second deadliest in Europe, behind lung cancer. The cause: tobacco, diabetes, obesity, ultra-processed food… and the absence of a targeted screening program. “There is still a lack of effective treatments. Chemotherapy remains the main treatment, but progress is slow, and immunotherapy has not yet shown convincing results”summarized Dr. Marty.
Knowing the signs, even subtle ones, can therefore be a first step towards a slightly earlier diagnosis. And better chances of survival.