1. Persistent abdominal or back pain
My father initially complained of back problems, which he attributed to his posture and age. But the pain persisted, spread to his upper abdomen, and worsened at night or after meals.
This type of dull, radiating pain, especially when it persists or intensifies, is a common early sign of pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, it is often mistaken for minor digestive or muscular problems.
2. Rapid and unexplained weight loss
In three weeks, my father lost more than five kilos without any effort. His appetite disappeared and he became fatigued. We attributed it to stress, but it was the cancer that interfered with his pancreas’s role in digestion.
Other warning signs to watch for
Although pain and weight loss are the most characteristic symptoms, other symptoms may also occur:
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