The pancreas is an organ that is situated behind the lower part of the stomach. It releases enzymes that help in the process of digestion. It also produces hormones that are largely responsible for managing blood sugar levels in the body. Generally, pancreatic cancer originates in the tissues of the pancreas, and is curable in the earliest stages. However, rarely, it is detected in the early stages. Here are some early warning symptoms of pancreatic cancer:

1. Back pain
Generally, pain in the back of the abdomen is not something to be worried about. However, in a small number of people with pancreatic cancer, this may be an early symptom. Back pain arises when the pancreatic mass presses against the nerves present in the area. Sometimes, pancreatic tumors press into the organs present in the surrounding area, and this causes pain in the abdomen.

2. Jaundice
This is a condition in which the whites of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes become yellow. This is due to higher levels of bilirubin, which is a bile pigment. There may be many reasons why some people are diagnosed with jaundice. However, jaundice may be one of the early warning symptoms of pancreatic cancer. It may be accompanied by greasy and light-colored stools, itchy skin, and darker urine. In such cases, it is best to get tested for pancreatic cancer.

3. Weight loss
When dealing with this kind of cancer, people find that there is a dramatic loss of appetite. There is considerable loss of weight during the early stages of pancreatic cancer. Even if one has a normal diet, they may find their appetite shrinking. This may be due to a certain kind of pancreatic cancer that produces hormones that make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients from the food.

4. Diabetes
Pancreatic cancer affects other organs of the body as well. Generally, when cancer kills the insulin-producing cells within the pancreas, the patient is diagnosed with diabetes. Excessive thirst and hunger are strong signs that one may be having diabetes. Hence, it is advisable to watch out for diabetes as an early warning symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

5. Dark urine
Bile is a fluid that is produced and released by the liver. It aids in the digestion of food. Once it serves its purpose, it travels to the intestines and is finally removed from the body. However, when the bile duct is blocked due to a tumor, bilirubin builds up. High levels of bilirubin in the body can cause urine to become darker.

In the early stages, pancreatic cancer tends to remain largely silent and pain-free. It is important to stay alert and investigate early warning symptoms of pancreatic cancer to chart out an appropriate treatment plan.