Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Recognising the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be hard. Pancreatic cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they can look like other, less serious health problems.

If you have symptoms that worry you, it's important to see your GP. This section explains what symptoms to look for, what happens when you see your doctor, and what to expect if you need to see a specialist.

Signs and symptoms

Pancreatic cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, which makes it hard to detect. This means a person can be living with pancreatic cancer for some time before a diagnosis is made.

As the disease progresses, some common symptoms may include:

• yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)- This happens when the bile duct becomes blocked
• itchy skin
• dark urine (wee)
• pale, greasy or floating stools
• discomfort in the upper abdomen
• losing weight without trying
• unexplained extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• loss of appetite
• feeling sick or vomiting (nausea).

Important to know: These symptoms can be caused by many conditions other than pancreatic cancer. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it's important to see your GP.

New-onset diabetes in older adults, particularly when associated with significant weight loss, can also be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

Seeing your GP

If you've been experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, your first step should be to visit your general practitioner (GP).

What to expect

Your GP will conduct a check-up to find out what's causing your symptoms. They will:

• ask you about your symptoms and how long you've had them
• ask about your medical history
• perform a physical examination
• arrange any tests they feel are necessary, such as blood tests or an ultrasound.

Be prepared

It can be helpful to write down your symptoms before your appointment, including when they started and whether they've changed over time.

If your GP has concerns based on your symptoms and initial tests, they will refer you to a specialist for further investigation.

Being referred to a specialist

If your GP has concerns about your symptoms, you will be referred to a pancreatic cancer specialist for further investigation.

You might see a pancreatic cancer specialist at a public hospital or in private practice.

Who are pancreatic cancer specialists?

Pancreatic cancer specialists are doctors who are highly trained in diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer. They may include:

• gastroenterologists (specialists in digestive system diseases)
• hepatobiliary surgeons (specialists in liver, pancreas and bile duct surgery)
• medical oncologists (specialists in cancer treatment with medication).

How soon should I see a pancreatic cancer specialist?

Your specialist appointment should happen within one week of referral. If you can't get an appointment within this time, follow up with your GP.

What should I bring to my specialist appointment?

It can be helpful to bring a family member or friend with you for support and to help you remember what's discussed.

You should bring along any previous test results or medical records that might be relevant.

You may also want to bring a list of questions you'd like to ask, such as:

• What tests will I need, and what does each one look for?
• Why are these tests being done?
• How long will it take to get my results?
• What might the results show?
• If something abnormal is found, what will happen next?
• Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns between appointments?
• Will you provide written information or resources I can read later?