Pancreatic cancer symptoms often do not appear until the disease is advanced. When present, common symptoms include abdominal or belly pain that may spread to the back, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), light-colored or greasy stools, dark urine, itchy skin, nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, and new or worsening diabetes. Pain may worsen when eating or lying down and can improve when leaning forward. Sometimes, blood clots and swelling in limbs also occur.

In summary, the key symptoms of pancreatic cancer are:

• Abdominal or back pain
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), dark urine, light or greasy stools
• Nausea, vomiting, indigestion
• Fatigue or weakness
• Changes in bowel movements
• New or difficult-to-control diabetes

Because early pancreatic cancer may cause no symptoms, seeing a healthcare professional for evaluation is important if these symptoms appear or worsen.