Dr. Cohen states, “It is very common to have pancreatic cancer and not know that you have it. Pancreatic cancer is hard to find early. The pancreas is deep inside the body, so early tumors can’t be seen or felt by healthcare providers during routine physical exams. People usually have no symptoms until the cancer has become very large or has already spread to other organs.”
Nancy Mitchell, a Registered Nurse with Assisted Living Center shares, “The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer tend to mimic other ailments. For example, middle back pain may be a sign of pancreatic pain and inflammation. But most people pass it off as a muscle strain or a possible back injury. Patients tend to wait until they have a triad or more of symptoms to visit a doctor. By then, the cancer had already developed.”
Dr. Cohen says, “Pancreatic cancer risk factors include obesity, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, and long-standing diabetes. The most important risk factor is a family history of pancreatic cancer.”
