The cancer has one of the lowest survival rates, but knowing two visible signs by researchers could change that.

Pancreatic cancer is known as a silent disease, but there are two early warning signs that can appear and help bring an early diagnosis.

The condition has one of the lowest 10 year survival rates and just five per cent of sufferers live more than a decade after diagnosis, according to Cancer Research UK.

The high mortality rate means that knowing how to spot pancreatic cancer is vital as early detection makes for higher survival chances. Although most of its symptoms don't usually show early on, researchers have identified two previously unrecognised warning signs in recent years.

This comes following the death of TV host Jerry Springer who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just months before passing last week.

Increased thirst and dark, yellow urine have been observed as early, visible symptoms by scientists, according to a study conducted at Oxford University published in 2021, reports the Mirror.

Two of the more serious pancreatic cancer symptoms were identified as jaundice - yellowing of the skin - and internal bleeding in the stomach or intestines.

“When pancreatic cancer is diagnosed earlier, patients have a higher chance of survival,” said Dr Weiqi Liao, data scientist at the University of Oxford. “It is possible to diagnose patients when they visit their GP, but both patients and GPs need to be aware of the symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer.”

“Being aware of the early symptoms of pancreatic cancer is crucial if we are to diagnose patients earlier and improve pancreatic cancer survival,” added Dr Pippa Corrie, chair of the pancreatic workstream of the NCRI Upper Gastrointestinal Group and Consultant Medical Oncologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, UK.

“This research could help GPs and their patients know more about the signs of pancreatic cancer. It’s vital that people speak to their GP if they notice these symptoms.”

There were a long list of other symptoms that were also found in the study, which included:

Problems swallowing
Diarrhoea
Change in bowel habits
Vomiting
Indigestion
Abdominal mass
Abdominal pain
Weight loss
Constipation
Fat in stool
Abdominal swelling
Nausea
Flatulence
Heartburn
Fever
Tiredness
Appetite loss
Itching
Back pain

Pancreatic cancer is more likely for those aged over 75 and is not common for people under 40, according to the NHS.

People can reduce their chances of getting the cancer by cutting down on red and processed meat, not being overweight, not smoking and drinking less alcohol.

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE