Cancer symptoms: The crucial warning sign that can worsen ‘after meals’ or when lying down
Cancer symptoms: Top 14 early signs to look out for
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Cancer is one of the leading causes of death around the world, claiming millions of lives annually. There is no cure for the disease, so picking it up in the initial stages is crucial for ensuring a positive outcome. Unfortunately, however, symptoms of cancer can sometimes be vague. One sign of pancreatic cancer may worsen when lying down or after meals.
Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled fashion in the pancreas, the organ that produces digestive fluids.
Unfortunately, this form of the disease is seldom detected in the initial stages when it is still highly treatable.
In fact, in the later stages, the prognosis of pancreatic cancer is poor and the disease is mostly incurable.
Hopkins Medicine explains that up to 10 percent of patients who receive an early diagnosis become disease-free after treatment.
READ MORE: Cancer: The sign of advancing cancer that shows in the face ‘first thing in the morning’
What are the symptoms?
Almost seven out of 10 people with pancreatic cancer go to their doctors because they have pain, according to Cancer Research UK.
The health body adds: “Pain is more common in cancers of the body and tail of the pancreas.
“People describe it as a dull pain that feels as if it is boring into you.
“It can begin in the stomach areas and spread around to the back.
“The pain is worse when you lie down and is better if you sit forward. It can be worse after a meal.”
Occasionally, the disease causes people to itch all over their body, according to Harvard Health.
Around 70 percent of pancreatic cancers originate in the head of the pancreas, which is the bulbous end of the gland.
Tumours located here can block the common bile duct, which drains the gallbladder and liver, causing the waste product to back up and enter the bloodstream.
The result of this is jaundice, a yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes.
Other symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer can include loss of appetite and unintended weight loss.
Telltale signs when going to the toilet may include light-coloured stools.
How to prevent cancer:
Taking action early to avert the risk of pancreatic cancer could also lower the chances of developing other diseases too.
One non-negotiable habit in cancer prevention is quitting smoking, which is one of the clearest risk factors for all types of cancer.
Other ways to prevent cancer include maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, as being overweight is another risk factor for the disease.
Adopting a diet that emphasises fresh fruits and vegetables is also beneficial, as the phytonutrients in these foods work together to lower cancer risk.
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