The pancreas helps with the digestive processes and aids metabolism. When abnormal cells begin to grow in the pancreas and divide, a cancerous tumor may form in the organ which is located behind the lower stomach. Pancreatic cancer may be inherited by genetics or occur due to risk factors that include smoking, advanced age, obesity, and family history. Though there is no clear cause for pancreatic cancer, yet certain symptoms are associated with this type of cancer, such as:

1. Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is a well known symptom of pancreatic cancer. An individual may experience a dull pain that worsens when they lay down and radiates from their abdomen, to their back. They can experience pain here and there at times.

2. Jaundice
An individual could experience dark urine, itchy skin, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. This is known as jaundice. If the bile duct that allows bile to reach the intestines becomes blocked, it can cause a build up of a substance called bilirubin. This substance is present in the bile and is normally released with the bile through your stool. Blockage can disrupt this process and can cause an individual to experience these occurrences.

3. Itchy skin
This symptom as mentioned above, is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the skin. An individual’s skin can begin to itch and begin to become yellow because of this buildup.

4. Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of pancreatic cancer. An individual can become extremely exhausted, drained, weak and constantly tired. This can make it difficult for someone to carry out normal everyday activities. Pancreatic cancer as well some of the other symptoms, can contribute to this symptom.

5. Loss of appetite
An individual may experience a loss of appetite. Tumor growth during pancreatic cancer can slow down and affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients in the body and digest food.

6. Weight loss
Another symptom of pancreatic cancer is unintentional weight loss. An individual may drop weight without even trying to because their body is burning more calories than it usually would. Their decrease in appetite and the muscle breakdown process taking place in their body, all contribute to this symptom.

7. Change in bowel movements
Change in stool is another symptom of pancreatic cancer. When the body’s intestines lack a sufficient amount of pancreatic enzymes, food passes quickly and this causes diarrhea. When the digestive system is slowed down as described earlier, this can cause constipation. Both constipation and diarrhea can affect an individual.

These are many of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer that could show up. If you experience any of these symptoms or any other symptoms that concern you, you should speak to your doctor about them. If you have any health concerns, you should consult with your doctor.