Pancreatic cancer (needs checking)

Overview

Painless yellowing of the skin needs urgent tests.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Yellow skin or eyes
• Belly or back pain
• Yellow skin or eyes without belly pain, with itching, dark urine, or pale stool

Less common

• Weight loss
• Dark urine, pale stools
• New diabetes

Look up a symptom: Belly pain spreading to the back · Losing weight without trying · Pale, greasy, or floating stools · Yellow skin or eyes · Yellow skin or eyes without belly pain, with itching, dark urine, or pale stool

When to get medical care

Causes

Changes in a cell's genes that make it grow out of control. Most happen by chance or with age; some come from smoking, infections, or inherited genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Cancer isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Smoking
• Family history
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Obesity

Diagnosis

Tests look for the cause. Most people checked for these symptoms don't have cancer.

Questions you may be asked

• How long you've had symptoms
• Family history of cancer
• Smoking and alcohol

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• CT scan:
• Blood tests:

Treatment

Get the symptoms checked rather than waiting. If cancer is found, a cancer team makes a plan with you.

Self-care

• Write down your symptoms and when they started
• Bring someone with you to appointments
• Ask for a copy of test results
• Quit smoking: it helps at every stage

Surgery when possible, chemotherapy, radiation.

Prevention

To lower your risk or find it early:

• Don't smoke

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an oncologist (cancer doctor), often with a surgeon and a radiation doctor.

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Ask for a survivorship care plan when treatment ends.
• Gentle activity, like walking, can ease tiredness.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• American Cancer Society: Help 24/7 at 1-800-227-2345, rides to treatment, and support programs.
• National Cancer Institute: Cancer Information Service: Free answers from cancer information specialists: 1-800-422-6237.
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some cancer treatments can harm a baby. Ask about saving eggs before treatment if you want children later.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Cancers found early are much easier to treat, and treatments keep improving.

Support is available: ask about social workers, nutrition help, and support groups.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
• Past test results

Questions to ask

• What tests do I need?
• If it's cancer, what stage is it and what are my options?
• Are there clinical trials for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Pancreatic cancer (needs checking)