An NHS doctor has highlighted three symptoms that could be signs of one of the most deadly types of cancer — and should not be ignored. The GP, who shares health advice on social media under the name Dr Ahmed, said pancreatic cancer has “the worst prognosis of any cancer, that’s because almost always it’s picked up so late”.
The first symptom he highlighted was new-onset type 2 diabetes in someone who has not recently gained weight. He explained in a video posted on TikTok: “This is because the pancreas makes insulin [so] having a cancer in the pancreas can disrupt this very delicate balance and make people diabetic.”
Another symptom which can be subtle is a slight yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, Dr Ahmed said.
“This happens because if you have pancreatic cancer, this can push on the bile duct and block bile from getting through,” he added.
“This excess bile can build up in the skin and the eyes, giving you jaundice.”
And the final symptom is “non-specific, dull aching pain, normally in the top part of your abdomen”.
Around 10,700 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the disease claims 9,600 lives every year in the UK, making it the fifth biggest cancer killer.
Just one in 20 patients survive for 10 years or more after their diagnosis.
The medic added: “If you have got any of these symptoms, it does not mean you have pancreatic cancer. Thankfully pancreatic cancer is very rare.
“But it is picked up very late because of the very vague symptoms, and if you have got any of these please go to your doctor.”
