Sickness Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer is a particularly deadly form of cancer and also reasonably common, particularly in the elderly. There are many symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, some of these mask themselves as other illnesses or even reasonably harmless bugs, making pancreatic cancer very hard to detect. In those with whom it is detected early, the survival rate after five years is usually only around 20%. With those with whom it is detected late, the survival rate is very low and most only live for another seven months.

What is Sickness?

Sickness manifests itself as a general feeling of discomfort in the stomach area. Sometimes, sickness is accompanied with vomiting and diarrhoea, other times it only shows as nausea.

How does Sickness relate to Pancreatic Cancer?

Sickness in cancer is often caused by chemotherapy, which can make someone quite violently ill. In pancreatic cancer, it can also be caused by other stomach issues, particularly because the bowels and gall bladder are affected by pancreatic cancer. Sickness can also occur in pancreatic cancer as a result of anorexia, as people become nauseous and malnourished and are actually experiencing hunger pangs when they are feeling nauseous.

Sickness is a very common side effect of pancreatic cancer and often does not have a direct cause that can be pointed out and treated. However, it is important to discuss sickness pancreatic cancer symptoms with your GP as soon as possible, so he or she can adapt your treatment plan if possible.

What are the Sickness Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms?

The more common sickness pancreatic cancer symptoms include:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Dehydration
Extreme weight loss
Tiredness
Muscle wasting
Pains in the joints and bones

Further Information about Sickness Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

Sickness pancreatic cancer symptoms should always be investigated by a medical professional, even if you suspect the symptoms are caused by chemotherapy. A serious issue associated with pancreatic cancer is anorexia. Many of those who suffer from pancreatic cancer lose their appetite and can turn anorexic. They then start to lack certain essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals and this can have devastating consequences on its own. If sickness were to occur on top of this, it would not take long for a patient to become completely dehydrated, possibly leading to death. This is particularly true since pancreatic cancer is more common in the elderly (over 60s), who often already lack many nutrients.

Sickness pancreatic cancer symptoms can also point to the tumour growing and pressing on certain organs, causing the feelings of nausea and sickness. This should also be investigated as soon as possible by a medical professional.

Unfortunately, the outlook for pancreatic cancer is not good. Patients who are diagnosed are usually monitored by a large team of professionals, including a diet and nutrition specialist, who can help patients who find they are losing their appetite and are starting to turn anorexic. If sickness pancreatic cancer symptoms also occur, there can be very serious health risks for these patients and medical help needs to be sought as soon as possible.