Worth a Conversation

When something feels a little off, many people wait to see if it goes away. A sore back might be blamed on a long day at your desk, an upset stomach on last night’s takeout, or a few lost pounds on a busy month. This is a common habit, and with pancreatic cancer, it’s easy to do. Since the pancreas sits deep in the abdomen behind the stomach, early changes are hard to notice. At The Brooklyn Cancer Center, we believe no concern is too small to mention. Here are the signs worth paying attention to and how to start that conversation with our team.

One of the most noticeable signs is jaundice, when the skin or the whites of the eyes start to turn yellow. This can happen if a growth near the pancreas presses on the bile duct, and it often comes with dark urine, itchy skin, or pale stool. Pain is another sign that people sometimes ignore. A dull ache in the upper belly that moves to the middle of your back, especially if it worsens when you lie down and improves when you lean forward, is worth mentioning, even if it comes and goes. Weight loss is important to note too. If you’re losing weight without changing your eating or activity, especially if you have less appetite or feel full quickly, let us know.

Digestive changes can also be a sign. If the pancreas isn’t making enough enzymes to break down fat, stools may become oily, loose, very foul-smelling, or hard to flush. A new diabetes diagnosis can be an early clue, especially after age 50 and if it comes with weight loss instead of weight gain. These signs alone don’t mean you have cancer. Most often, they point to something more common, like gallstones, a stomach problem, or type 2 diabetes. What matters is the pattern. If a symptom lasts a few weeks, or you notice several together, schedule a visit with one of our specialists.

Your health history matters too. Most people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are over 65, and among the risk factors you can control, smoking has the biggest impact. Long-term diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, and heavy alcohol use also increase risk, as does a family history of pancreatic cancer or inherited gene changes like BRCA1 and BRCA2. If any of these apply to you, share them with your care team.

Coming to your appointment prepared helps you get the most out of your time with us. Visits can go by quickly, and it’s easy to forget details or downplay your symptoms in the exam room. Before you come in, write down each symptom, when it started, and if it’s getting better, worse, or staying the same. Bring a list of your medications and any family health history you know. Start with your main concern and be specific. For example, saying “I’ve lost eight pounds in two months without trying” gives our team far more to work with than “I’ve been feeling a little off.” Ask what might be causing your symptoms, which tests could help, and when to follow up if things don’t change. If you want support, bring a friend or family member to take notes so you can focus on the conversation.

You know your body best, and noticing a change is enough reason to bring it up. If you have questions about any of these signs or want to talk with one of our specialists, our team is here to help, and know that even a small change is worth a conversation.