Diabetes often appears one to two years before other symptoms, but back pain can also be a warning sign of pancreatic cancer.
The pancreas is the largest gland in the human body, producing enzymes and hormones vital for digestion and metabolism, but it is also susceptible to disease.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, which advises the German government, the earlier pancreatic cancer is detected, the higher the survival rate.
The German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ) points out that pancreatic cancer initially manifests itself through general and non-specific symptoms. This means that it causes symptoms that can also occur with other abdominal diseases.
Diabetes can be an early warning sign, says the German Pancreatectomy Patients’ Association (AdP), a self-help organization. Diabetes usually appears one to two years before other symptoms, but back pain can also be a warning sign.
The pancreas is located just above the spine, so an early-stage tumor may manifest as unexplained back pain or a deep ache in the upper abdomen.
A growing tumor can constrict the duodenum or the outlet of the stomach. One sign of this is nausea and vomiting. It can also obstruct the outflow of bile, causing the skin and conjunctiva of the eyes to turn yellow, while urine becomes dark and stools are light-colored, AdP describes.
Other signs of pancreatic cancer include palpable changes in the abdomen, unexplained weight loss or decreased appetite, diarrhea or constipation, marked fatigue, decreased performance, night sweats, and fever.
According to the DKFZ, the first place to go if you have these symptoms is to see your family doctor.