Pancreatic Cancer Cheat Sheet

In the United States, more than 21,000 women are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer annually.  Risk factors and warning signs may include:

Risk Factors:

  • I am over the age of 60.
  • I smoke cigarettes.
  • I have diabetes.
  • I am African American.
  • My mother, father, sister, or brother had the disease.
  • I have a family history of colon and/or ovarian cancer.
  • I have chronic pancreatitis which may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Warning Signs:
Pancreatic cancer is sometimes called a "silent disease" because early pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the upper abdomen or upper back
  • Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss

These symptoms can often be similar to other diseases and conditions. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor right away. There is currently no screening test for pancreatic cancer, but you should discuss which of the following diagnostic tools may be appropriate for you: Ultrasound, CT scan, ERCP, MRI, Biopsy.

Contact The National Women’s Health Information Center for information on health insurance coverage or free clinics. Visit www.womenshealth.gov or call 1-800-994-9662.

Remember, early detection equals survival!

This information was provided by the American Cancer Society.

This information was reviewed by the Cancer Schmancer Medical Advisory Board.

Comments

pancreatic cancer symptoms/signs

Submitted by Guest on October 19, 2009 - 18:12.

Some information you might be able to use:

A friend of mine recently died of pancreatic cancer. Years before she was diagnosed, her ob/gyn made note of the fact that she had brown splotches/pigmentation around her lips and that it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. The doctor told her that she'd have to have a series of tests that may or may not show anything, so she elected not to have them done. When the disease was finally discovered, she was already in Stage 4, and died within a year.