Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer may not cause symptoms for a long time. Some people may have only one symptom.
We understand that showing any symptoms of what could be cancer is worrying. The most important thing is to speak to your GP as soon as possible. We're also here if you need someone to talk to. You can:
- call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00
- chat to our specialists online.
Pain or discomfort
This often begins in the upper part of the tummy (abdomen). Sometimes it spreads to the back. The pain may come and go, or it may be there all the time. It may feel worse after eating or when you are lying down. It might feel better when you are sitting up or bending forward.
Remember, even if you have pain in the abdomen, it does not mean you will have cancer. But you should see your doctor if you are worried.
Jaundice
If the cancer is in the head of the pancreas, it can block the bile duct. This means you may develop jaundice. Cancer in the tail or body of the pancreas is less likely to cause jaundice.
Jaundice happens when bile cannot drain away and collects in your body. This can cause symptoms such as:
- yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
- itchy skin
- dark pee (urine)
- pale and smelly poo (stools) that is difficult to flush away (steatorrhoea).
Pancreatic cancer is not the most common cause of jaundice. Other illnesses, affecting the liver and bile duct, are more common.
Weight loss
Feeling sick
Other symptoms
Pancreatic cancer can cause other symptoms, such as:
- losing your appetite
- indigestion
- feeling bloated after meals
- diarrhoea or changing bowel habits
- feeling very tired
- being newly diagnosed with diabetes
- blood clots in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or the lungs (pulmonary embolus or PE).
Most people with these symptoms will not have pancreatic cancer. More common conditions can cause them. But if you have any symptoms, it is important to get them checked by your doctor.
About our information
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our pancreatic cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk
European Society for Medical Oncology, Cancer of the pancreas: ESMO clinical Practice Guidelines. Volume 26, Supplement 5, V56-V68, 1 September 2015. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdv295 (accessed May 2021).
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Pancreatic cancer in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline (NG85). Published 7 February 2018. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng85/chapter/Recommendations (accessed May 2021).
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Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Chief Medical Editor, Professor Tim Iveson, Consultant Medical Oncologist.
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Date reviewed
Our cancer information meets the PIF TICK quality mark.
This means it is easy to use, up-to-date and based on the latest evidence. Learn more about how we produce our information.
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