Pancreatic Cancer: Early Warning Signs and Risk Factors

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is aggressive, with a 5-year survival <5%. Early stages are often asymptomatic. As it progresses:

Symptoms

• Upper abdominal/back pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Unintentional weight loss, appetite loss
• Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), clay-colored stools, dark urine
• Fatigue, pruritus
• New-onset diabetes or worsening glycemic control

Risk Factors

• Age >50
• Smoking (strongest modifiable risk)
• Obesity
• Diabetes (long-standing or new)
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Family history/genetic syndromes (BRCA, Lynch, FAMMM)
• Heavy alcohol use

High-risk individuals should discuss surveillance (e.g., MRI/EUS) with a specialist. Early detection improves resectability and survival.