The pancreas is one of those organs that rarely gets much attention, yet it works constantly in the background to keep your body running smoothly. Because it’s tucked away and its job isn’t well understood, the early signs of pancreas problems often slip by unnoticed or get mistaken for something else. That’s part of the reason pancreatic cancer has such a low survival rate and why conditions like pancreatitis can be so hard to manage.
“Part of the reason survival rates are so low is that identifying pancreatic cancer early is difficult,” says pancreatic cancer specialist Dr Andrew Hendifar. The same is true for non-cancer pancreas issues, adds family medicine physician Dr Ted Epperly.
Your pancreas is a long, flat organ that sits deep in your abdomen. It produces enzymes that help with digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar. While symptoms of pancreas problems can be vague, both Dr Hendifar and Dr Epperly stress that there are key warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Pale, floating stool
If your stool is light in colour and floats, it may signal poor nutrient absorption linked to pancreas dysfunction. “The enzymes your pancreas produces help you digest fats in your diet,” explains Dr Hendifar. Along with breaking down fats, your pancreas helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E and K.
When pancreatic disease disrupts enzyme production, stools can appear pale, greasy, or oily. “The toilet water will have a film that looks like oil,” says Dr Hendifar. That oily film is dietary fat your body hasn’t been able to digest.
A one-off change in bowel habits isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. But if most of your bowel movements look like this, it’s time to check in with your doctor.
Radiating back pain
Abdominal pain is one of the most common signs of pancreatic cancer and acute pancreatitis, but the type of pain can be quite different.
“If the discomfort starts in the middle of your abdomen and then radiates into your mid or lower back — and it lingers for weeks — that may be a sign of pancreatic cancer,” says Dr Epperly.
Many women are first treated for reflux with proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole or esomeprazole). “If you’ve been prescribed one of these medications and your symptoms don’t improve, it’s worth asking your doctor to look deeper,” explains Dr Andrew Hendifar. “Pancreatic cancer pain is often mistaken for gastrointestinal issues that these drugs should usually help.”
By contrast, acute pancreatitis tends to come on suddenly. “It’s an intense pain that centres in the middle of the abdomen,” Dr Epperly notes.
Of course, stomach pain can be caused by a whole range of conditions — some serious, many mild. But if the descriptions above sound familiar and nothing seems to bring relief, it’s time to call your doctor.
An unexpected diabetes diagnosis
Your pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, hormones that keep blood sugar in balance. If the pancreas is struggling, type 2 diabetes can be the result.
“When the pancreas is compromised, hormone production gets thrown off, and diabetes often develops,” says Dr Hendifar. “If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes despite a healthy lifestyle and weight, it’s important to take a closer look at pancreatic health.”
Even women already managing diabetes should pay attention. “Those sudden changes in diabetes control — where the disease becomes harder to manage without an obvious reason — are red flags we sometimes see linked with pancreatic cancer,” Dr Hendifar adds.
Nausea from high-fat foods
Feeling sick after indulging in fatty foods can be a red flag. “The pancreas produces enzymes that help break down fat, so when it isn’t working properly, nausea and vomiting are common,” explains Dr Hendifar.
Hamburgers, avocados, nuts, and pizza are particularly tough for those with pancreatic issues. “Pizza is another one that’s really hard for patients with a compromised pancreas,” he adds. According to Dr Epperly, sudden vomiting and nausea are more often linked with pancreatitis than pancreatic cancer, but either way, the symptoms should not be ignored.
Rapid weight loss
Losing weight without trying might seem like a bonus, but it can also be a sign of something more serious. “If you’re shedding weight and also experiencing radiating abdominal pain, that could be due to the digestive issues tied to pancreatic disease,” says Dr Hendifar.
A study published in Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology found that around 24% of people who had acute pancreatitis lost more than 10% of their body weight within a year of their illness.
Thyroid problems and other conditions can also cause sudden or unexplained weight loss. Either way, it’s important to check in with your doctor rather than chalk it up to lifestyle changes.
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