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People are being warned not to ignore seemingly minor health issues which could be a sign of a more serious condition. Although some symptoms may seem ‘normal’ or associated with ageing, it is always wise to consult GPs – especially if these symptoms appear unexpectedly. Previous research found up to 70 per cent of cancer patients were unaware of their increased risk of blood clots.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can sometimes be the first sign of pancreatic cancer – a disease notoriously difficult to treat. 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. 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.
People are being warned about a sinister health implication of excessive blood clotting—a potential symptom of the deadly pancreatic cancer. The disease is notorious for turning the blood into a hyper-coagulative state, seriously upping the chances of thrombosis.
Leg symptoms to keep an eye on include pain, swelling, redness and warmth. If breathlessness also sets in it may show a fragment of the clot broke free and is lodged in the lungs, resulting in chest agony or breathing woes – known as pulmonary embolism or PE. The Cancer Society cautions: “Having a blood clot does not usually mean that you have cancer. Most blood clots are caused by other things.”
Nevertheless, pancreatic cancer remains a top killer due to its sneaky nature with non-obvious signals like dropping weight unintentionally and stomach aches while standing tough against treatments. Dr Santhi Swaroop Vege from Mayo Clinic underscores this point, revealing that despite medical progress, the five-year survival rate hangs at seven per cent, stressing the importance of catching it early.
Due to its location within the body, the pancreas often eludes early diagnosis, with many cases discovered at advanced stages presenting symptoms such as abdominal pain and jaundice. Doctor Vege highlighted the issue to 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.”
