Pancreatic cancer symptoms: ‘A particularly bad odour’ when you go to the toilet is a sign

Olivia Williams discusses ‘bizarre’ symptom of pancreatic cancer

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Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for three percent of all new cancer cases, according to Cancer Research UK. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) says floating stools with a particularly bad odour and an unusual colour due to the body not digesting fats well is a sign. There are also a number of signs of pancreatic cancer.

The organisation says other signs include:

  • Yellow skin (including yellowing of the gums and inner lips) and/or eyes, darkening of the urine, itching, and clay-coloured stool, which are signs of jaundice caused by a blockage of the bile ducts
  • Pain in the upper abdomen, upper back, or arms
  • Painful swelling of an arm or leg due to a blood clot
  • Burning feeling in the stomach or other gastrointestinal discomforts
  • Stomach bloating
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chills and sweats
  • Fever
  • Unexplained weight loss

Pancreatic Cancer UK explains that the pancreas plays “an important role” in breaking down food.

Therefore, the charity says it is common for pancreatic cancer to cause problems with eating and digesting food.

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The charity states: “Symptoms of this include feeling full up quickly when you eat, bloating of your tummy, lots of wind, and burping.

“But these symptoms are common problems and aren’t usually due to pancreatic cancer.”

Pancreatic cancer UK says: “Some people see their GP several times before getting a diagnosis.”

The charity adds: “If you have unexplained symptoms that last four weeks or more, go back to your GP until you get a firm diagnosis, or a referral for tests to find out what’s causing them.”

Cancer Research UK advises that symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be vague. The charity explains that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but it’s important to get them checked by a doctor.

It advises that people see a GP if they have any new symptoms or symptoms that are not going away.It says the symptoms vary depending on where the cancer is in the pancreas.

The Mayo Clinic says: “Pancreatic cancer treatment options are chosen based on the extent of the cancer.

“Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these.”

Cancer Research explains: “Endocrine pancreatic tumours are uncommon. They are also called neuroendocrine tumours.

“Most pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours don’t produce hormones so don’t cause specific symptoms.

“Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours that produce hormones are called functional tumours.

“The symptoms are different for each type, depending on the hormone the tumour produces.”

Some lifestyle factors and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

For example, around 20 out of 100 cases of pancreatic cancer in the UK are caused by smoking.

Although it is not always possible to prevent pancreatic cancer, making healthy lifestyle choices could lower your chances.

The NHS recommends losing weight if you are overweight and cutting down on alcohol and both red and processed meat.

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