Pancreatic Cancer Warning: A Painful Back Symptom That May Signal a Spreading Tumour

Across the world, pancreatic cancer is among the most aggressive and difficult-to-detect cancers, often diagnosed only after it becomes advanced or the last stage. Doctors warn that late detection is a major reason for poor outcomes for treatment, as the disease spreads silently before proper symptoms appear and are noticed. However, one of the early warning signs that deserves attention is persistent or worsening back pain, which in some cases can indicate that the tumour is spreading. According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although it is not the most common cancer, it is particularly dangerous because early symptoms are often vague or absent, delaying diagnosis

and treatment.

How does back pain signify pancreatic tumour?

Experts say continuous dull pain in the back that comes and goes is mostly caused by a tumour that has formed in the body or tail of the pancreas because it can press on the spinal area. As the disease advances, back pain becomes more frequent. However, doctors say that back pain varies from one person to another, as despite reaching the advanced stage, one may not feel any pain. in. Back pain may also worsen even after eating or lying down. There may also be some pain relief when sitting and bending forward. Unlike typical muscle-related back pain, pancreatic cancer–related pain may:

• Come and go, but gradually worsen over time
• Increase after eating
• Feel more intense when lying down
• Improve slightly when sitting upright or bending forward

Doctors note that pain experiences vary widely. Some people may feel significant discomfort, while others may have minimal pain even in later stages. This unpredictability is one reason the disease is often overlooked early.

What is pancreatic cancer?

Several kinds of growths occur in the pancreas that are both cancerous and non-cancerous, but the most common type is the one that begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas. Doctors say that pancreatic cancer is seldom detected at its early stages, when it's most curable. This is because it often doesn't cause symptoms until after it has spread to other organs.

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Besides back pain, other symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea and constipation
• Jaundice
• Bloating and abdominal issues
• Mood swings and mood changes

Risk factors for pancreatic cancer

Age

Pancreatic cancer risk increases as a person grows older. Most people affected by this cancer are older than 45 years of age.

Gender

The number of pancreatic cancer cases is higher in males than in females.

Genetic syndromes

Certain inherited conditions, such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, may increase the risk.

Family history

A history of pancreatic cancer in a parent, child, or sibling may increase the risk of the disease, although most patients diagnosed with the condition do not have a positive family history.