Back pain is an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer; here's how to identify it

Pancreatic cancer is one of the common types of cancer in the world. In India, 24th with 10860 new cases (1.03%) and 18th in mortality. This makes it important to understand the disease and identify its early warning signs so that timely medical intervention can save lives before the disease progresses too far.

Pancreatic cancer is a severe and aggressive disease originating in the pancreas, an organ essential for digestion and blood sugar regulation. It is often diagnosed late. The incidence of pancreatic cancer in India is 0.5–2.4 per 100,000 men and 0.2–1.8 per 100,000 women.

One of the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer is back pain. Back pain can be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer, often overlooked due to its non-specific nature. Abdominal pain usually worsens after meals or on lying down, and typically involves the lower back. Pain from pancreatic cancer results from pressure from a tumor against nerves or involvement of the surrounding tissues.

Though many have experienced back pains at one point, severe or unrelenting, especially in combination with signs of jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty in eating, needs prompt medical care.

The pain is mostly concentrated in the upper back

A report published in the website of John Hopkins Medicine explains: Some patients describe pain starting in the middle abdomen and radiating into the back. Pain can be worse when lying down and can often be relieved by leaning forward. Pancreatic cancer pain can differ from person to person, so be sure to discuss any new pain-related symptoms with your doctor.

Other symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer symptoms often develop subtly and may include jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bile duct obstruction. Digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in stool consistency, are common as the tumor affects pancreatic enzyme production.

Unexplained weight loss and a loss of appetite frequently accompany the disease. Patients may also experience fatigue, new-onset diabetes, or worsening blood sugar control.