Focus on the pancreas (1/12)
The pancreas is one of those organs you probably don't think about much… 15 cm long and hidden behind the stomach, its main role is to help you digest food and control your blood sugar levels. Normally, it works seamlessly behind the scenes. But when things go wrong, it can affect the entire body. According to the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), there are approximately 14,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer each year in France. Its mortality rate is particularly high, with nearly 12,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Pancreatic cancer (2/12)
On average, five years after diagnosis, only 10% of patients are still alive, making pancreatic cancer one of the cancers with the lowest survival rates. Why? Primarily because it is very difficult to detect at an early stage. However, it is only treatable if diagnosed early enough. Pancreatic cancer is the most common type of cancer in people over 60 (although it has also been diagnosed in people in their twenties and thirties). “It is therefore important to know the symptoms of this disease and not wait until they become serious before seeking medical help,” warns Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist in the United States, speaking to Women's Health. Here are 10 hard-to-detect signs that could save your life.
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Your eyes and skin are yellow (3/12)
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin is never a good sign. It can be a symptom of various health problems, including alcoholism, liver failure, and pancreatic cancer. Indeed, “many pancreatic tumors begin in the head of the pancreas, which is located near the bile ducts,” explains Anton Bilchik. Even small tumors can put pressure on and block the bile duct, which is supposed to carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine via the pancreas. One of bile's functions is to remove bilirubin, a normal waste product of red blood cells. When it can't do its job, the excess bilirubin causes jaundice and yellowing of the eyes.
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You look about 4 months pregnant (4/12)
While it's normal to have a bloated stomach after a large meal, it's not the case if it lasts for several days. "As pancreatic tumors grow, they can cause abdominal distension ," explains the doctor. "It's one of the first signs people notice, but they don't call their doctor because they think it's just bloating ." But it's worth getting checked out, he believes. It's probably not cancer, but it could be (ovarian cancer also lists bloating among its early symptoms). You know what they say: prevention is better than cure!
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Pancreatic cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of all cancers. Knowing the symptoms, including these 10 hard-to-detect signs, could save your life!
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