The Mayo Clinic explains: “Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of your pancreas — an organ in your abdomen that lies behind the lower part of your stomach. Your pancreas releases enzymes that aid digestion and produces hormones that help manage your blood sugar.” Cancer Research UK explains pancreatic cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages, but “as the cancer grows it can start to cause symptoms”.
The charity advises: “Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be vague. They can be caused by other conditions, but it’s important to get them checked by a doctor.See your GP if you have any new symptoms or symptoms that aren’t going away”.
It says indigestion causes heartburn, bloating and sickness and notes that it is a common problem in the general population, and for most people it isn’t a sign of cancer.
Nonetheless, “if it is persistent or isn’t getting better with medicines, you should go back to see your doctor”.
Indeed, Pancreatic Cancer UK says: “Indigestion causes a painful, burning feeling in your chest. It can also leave a bitter, unpleasant taste in your mouth.”
The Mayo Clinic states: “It’s not clear what causes pancreatic cancer. Doctors have identified some factors that may increase the risk of this type of cancer, including smoking and having certain inherited gene mutations.”
The NHS also notes that the causes of cancer are complex and it may be caused by a variety of things, including your genetic make-up and lifestyle choices, such as smoking.
The health body explains: “Although scientists now know more about the causes of cancer, we still need more research. We don’t properly understand exactly what causes pancreatic cancer, although we do know some risk factors. A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease.
”It says there is good evidence that age, smoking, being overweight, a family history of pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.