The four pancreatic cancer warning signs you should never ignore
Pancreatic cancer can sometimes cause blood to clot in the legs, which can lead to Deep Vein Thrombosis. There are four leg sensations to look out for
People are being encouraged not to ignore what they might consider minor health issues, as even a new sensation in the leg could be a sign of a more serious condition. While some symptoms may seem 'normal' or associated with ageing, it's always wise to consult your GP, especially if these symptoms appear unexpectedly.
Previous research found that up to 70 percent of cancer patients were unaware of their increased risk of blood clots. Moreover, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can sometimes be the first sign of pancreatic cancer - a disease notoriously difficult to treat.
As reported by the Express, these findings are the result of a survey conducted by the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC), which assessed patient awareness and knowledge about cancer-associated DVT. Catching cancer early is crucial for the best possible outcome, but some cancers, including pancreatic, can be hard to detect due to their location deep within the body.
READ MORE - Eight foods to avoid if you have high blood pressure - and how to lower levels
READ MORE - Covid Ireland: Exact order symptoms of new XEC variant show up as cases skyrocket
However, four specific sensations in the legs could be among the first signs of the disease, according to health bodies. People should be vigilant for these leg signs and report any experiences of them to their GP.
Four leg sensations which could indicate pancreatic cancer, reports the Daily Record.
Pancreatic cancer is notorious for putting blood into a hyper-coagulative state which can result in the blood clotting more than normal, escalating the danger of thrombosis. A tell-tale initial sign of this illness could be Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), marked by a clot in the leg.
Symptoms to look out for in the affected leg include swelling, pain, redness and warmth. Another symptom that should raise alarm bells is difficulty breathing, possibly owing to a fragment of the clot breaking off and heading to the lungs, leading to chest pain or breathing issues, medically termed as pulmonary embolism or PE - a condition that is incredibly dangerous.
But it's essential to remember, as The Cancer Society reminds us: "Having a blood clot does not usually mean that you have cancer. Most blood clots are caused by other things."
Still, the stealthy nature of pancreatic cancer symptoms like unexplained weight loss and abdominal discomfort, combined with its stubborn resistance to treatment, makes it one of the most lethal cancers out there. Dr Santhi Swaroop Vege from Mayo Clinic warns that even with the leaps in medical science, we're looking at a mere seven percent five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients, hammering home the importance of early diagnosis.
The tricky location of the pancreas in the body can make early diagnosis a real headache, as it's tough to get a biopsy or clear scans, and this often means cases are spotted too late, by which time symptoms like abdominal pain or jaundice have set in. Delving into the nitty-gritty, Doctor Vege told News Network: "That's one of the biggest problems we face. Usually, these people will have indigestion, and acid reflux, before finally somebody thinks of a CT scan."
For more information visit the Irish Cancer Society website.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
