When pancreatic cancer is in its early stages, it might not show any signs or symptoms. Besides, the symptoms that are commonly associated with pancreatic cancer can also be caused due to some other conditions. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor as soon as you notice them.

Here are some early warning signs of pancreatic cancer that should be taken seriously.

1. Jaundice
Jaundice is identified by the yellowing of the eyes and skin. This is caused when the substance produced by the liver known as bilirubin starts to accumulate in the body. When cancer starts in the head of the pancreas, it can affect the bile duct. In such cases, cancer can start causing pressure on the duct, leading to jaundice. Therefore, jaundice can be one of the early warning signs for pancreatic cancer. When cancer has started in the tail or body of the pancreas, it will not cause pressure on the duct till the time it reaches different parts of the pancreas. To know if you have jaundice, you can also look for signs like dark urine or a feeling of itchiness on your skin which can be caused due to the build-up of bilirubin in the body.

2. Change in stools
The stools get their brown color from bilirubin. So, when there is a blockage in the bile duct, the stool might change its color to gray. Due to pancreatic cancer, the intestines also find it difficult to break down the fats in the food that is consumed. This can make the stool greasy.

3. Abdomen pain
One of the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer is pain in the abdomen or in the back. When cancer has started in the tail or body of the pancreas, it can grow in size and start to apply pressure on the organs that are nearby which leads to pain. The cancerous cells also have the potential to spread to the nerves around the pancreas, leading to back pain. However, pain in the abdomen or in the back is a common problem and can be caused by a lot of reasons other than pancreatic cancer. Therefore, it is important to get these symptoms checked with a doctor.

4. Loss of weight and appetite
If you have lost your appetite and there is an unexplained loss in body weight, it can be an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer. Make sure you consult your doctor to get an early diagnosis of the condition.

5. Vomiting and nausea
Cancer can apply a lot of pressure on one end of the stomach and can even block it partially. This can make it difficult for the food to pass through the stomach. This can lead to vomiting and nausea after meals.