Pancreatic cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the tissues of the pancreas. The symptoms occur only once the tumor grows, so early warning symptoms of pancreatic cancer are extremely rare. That said, some symptoms are a strong indication of the disease, and visiting a doctor immediately after noticing any of them can help manage it better.

1. Jaundice
Jaundice is a common early warning symptom of pancreatic cancer. The condition is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, and it occurs due to the buildup of a dark yellow-brown substance called bilirubin, which is produced by the liver. In some cases, the tumor begins to grow in the head of the pancreas and causes jaundice at an early stage, which enables doctors to diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer at an early stage. Other signs and symptoms of jaundice include dark urine, itchy skin, and light-colored or greasy stools.

2. Diabetes
Sudden onset of diabetes is a strong indication of pancreatic cancer. A recent study found that a significant number of people had been diagnosed with diabetes a year or two before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Experts say one should get screened for pancreatic cancer if diabetes comes on suddenly and one has no family history of the condition. Common signs of diabetes include frequent urination and excessive thirst and hunger.

3. Belly or back pain
Many people with pancreatic cancer experience abdominal or back pain. Belly pain occurs when the pancreatic tumor grows and presses on the nearby organs. On the other hand, back pain develops when cancer spreads to the nerves surrounding the pancreas. That said, both belly and back pain have a variety of causes other than pancreatic cancer as well.

4. Nausea and vomiting
The tumor can press on the far end of the stomach in some cases, partially blocking it. As a result, food doesn’t pass through easily, and patients experience nausea, vomiting, and pain, especially after eating.

5. Changes in stools
Changes in stools are often overlooked, but experts say they can be a crucial early warning symptom of pancreatic cancer. This form of cancer can prevent digestive enzymes like bile from reaching the intestine, leading to loose, greasy, or foul-smelling stools. Since bilirubin normally gives stools their brown color, its absence can also turn the stool gray or pale.

6. Blood clots
In some people, blood clots in a large vein in the leg may be one of the earliest symptoms of pancreatic cancer. This condition, called deep vein thrombosis, causes pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected limb. If a piece of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can lead to difficulty breathing and chest pain. That said, blood clots an also be associated with various other conditions, so it’s important to determine their cause.