Surgeon shares 3 warning signs of 'silent killer' cancer people shouldn't ignore
Dr Ahmed Ezzat warned that people should not ignore the signs of pancreatic cancer, as it has "some of the poorest outcomes of all cancers."
A top cancer surgeon is sounding the alarm on three early warning signs of a "silent killer" cancer.
Dr Ahmed Ezzat emphasized that these subtle symptoms should not be overlooked, as pancreatic cancer often results in "some of the poorest outcomes of all cancers."
Dr Ezzat took to TikTok with a viral video aimed at promoting earlier detection of the disease, highlighting the grim statistics from Pancreatic Cancer UK which show it has the lowest survival rate among common cancers, with less than 7% of patients surviving five years post-diagnosis.
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He stated: "Less than 10 percent of all patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will make it to 10 years after diagnosis. Let's do something about it."
Dr Ezzat pointed out low blood sugar levels as a key indicator, which might cause unexpected hunger pangs. He also mentioned that individuals could develop type 2 diabetes or those with existing diabetes might find their blood sugar control deteriorating.
He advised: "This is because the pancreas produces insulin, which is responsible for regulating your blood sugar. If you notice this symptom, then you need to make sure you get investigated urgently by your GP.", reported The Express.
The surgeon explained that insulin is crucial for transforming food sugar into energy, and pancreatic cancer can prevent the organ from producing sufficient hormones, leading to fluctuating blood sugar levels.
The expert also discussed symptoms that may indicate a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, one of which is unexplained abdominal or back pain.
Dr. Ezzat stresses the importance of urgent medical attention if you experience abdominal aches or back pain: "If you notice signs of abdominal aches or back pain then this is really important to get investigated by your GP because this could be a sign of pancreatic cancer."
A more discrete warning sign is the development of jaundice, with the easiest detection being the yellowing in the whites of the eyes.
Although jaundice can stem from various issues, such as liver disease or cancer, its root cause often traces back to a buildup of bilirubin.
With four out of five individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at a late stage, the urgency for early detection cannot be overstated due to its significant impact on survival rates.
For patients caught at initial stages, their one-year survival rate skyrockets sixfold compared to those diagnosed at stage four.
Pancreatic Cancer UK also lists several key signals such as indigestion, bloating, unexpected weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, the emergence of blood clots, and persistent tiredness.
