Knowing the silent symptoms of pancreatic cancer could save your life
After former England manager, Sven-Göran Eriksson issued a public farewell, we urge everyone to be vigilant about the early symptoms of the disease, which is often overlooked until it is too late.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most misdiagnosed of all the common cancers due to its vague symptoms. More than 43% of patients are diagnosed as an emergency in A&E after having visited their GP’s several times beforehand. The only current cure is for this deadly disease is surgery and by the time a patient is suffering from the type of pain that warrants a trip to A&E, surgery is likely no longer an option, as the cancer will have spread to other areas of the body.
- 80% of patients are diagnosed when surgery is no longer an option, currently the only cure.
- At least one person every hour will die of pancreatic cancer in UK.
Pancreatic cancer is known for its difficulty in early detection, but the charity is stressing that awareness of subtle changes in energy levels, pain, and physical appearance can make all the difference. Two individuals, Lucinda Slater and Dan Godley, have shared their stories to highlight how recognising early symptoms played a crucial role in their survival journeys.
Lucinda Slater reflects on her father’s experience with pancreatic cancer:
“The first sign that my dad was unwell was when he started to flag in energy,” Lucinda recalls. “He and Mum came down to London to visit around Mother’s Day in 2022. Dad wasn’t feeling very well during the trip. He was experiencing some pain in his shoulder, and he had lost some weight, but he was trying to lose a few pounds, so we didn’t think anything of it. Dad also thought he had been developing a nice tan, but disappointingly it turned out to be jaundice.”
Lucinda’s father was fortunate enough to receive treatment early, which contributed to his successful recovery. His case is a reminder that even seemingly minor symptoms—such as fatigue, unexplained pain, weight loss, and skin discolouration—should never be ignored.
Another survivor, Dan Godley, has been given the all-clear from pancreatic cancer. He recounts his initial symptoms: “It started in July 2020, with a tightness in my abdomen every night when I went to bed. I put it down to a food allergy.
“After about three months of this problem persisting, I went to a private specialist. The ultrasound did not produce any worrying results, and the specialist put it down to a form of constipation.
“Fast forward to May 2021, I went to my local GP. We did a range of blood tests, but these all came back as negative. The problem was the results of the blood tests were sent via text message and essentially said, “Your blood test results were negative. No further action required.” As a result of this closed loop of communication, I would have to ring up the surgery and explain the symptoms again to take further action. It was very disheartening, and eventually, I gave up again.”
Dan recalls, “By October 2021 the symptoms were untenable. I experienced abdominal pain that was so intense I was struggling to breathe. After a week of these attacks, I went to A&E. Five weeks later I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.”
Dan’s persistence in seeking medical advice, despite his seemingly mild symptoms, was critical in detecting his cancer early, which allowed him to undergo successful treatment.
We urge everyone to be aware of the common early symptoms, which can include:
- Persistent fatigue or a sudden drop in energy
- Abdominal or back pain, particularly if it starts as a mild discomfort and worsens over time
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Changes in stool or urine colour
Time is of the essence with pancreatic cancer, we encourage everyone to trust their instincts and see a healthcare professional if they notice unusual symptoms, no matter how small they may seem. Early diagnosis saves lives, and Dan and Lucinda’s stories are a testament to this.