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What warning signs of pancreatic cancer should people watch for, and why is it often caught late?
Pancreatic cancer is often found late. This is mainly because it usually does not cause symptoms early on. The pancreas sits behind your stomach.
Pancreatic cancer is often caught late because it usually causes no symptoms early on. The pancreas sits behind your stomach, hidden by other organs. Doctors cannot see or feel a tumor there during a normal checkup. When symptoms do appear, they can be vague or easy to miss. They can include yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the belly or back, weight loss, and feeling very tired. To check for pancreatic cancer, doctors use a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy. Because it is often found late and spreads quickly, it can be hard to treat. Your care team will tell you what symptoms to watch for and when to call them.
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