A common complaint could be an early indicator of fatal malignancy.
Patients who have had gallstones are more prone to develop pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma later on (PDAC).
According to new research, these people are six times more likely to develop the deadly cancer.
It could be a warning sign that people with gallstone disease will be detected within a year.
PDAC is the most common form of pancreatic cancer, accounting for over 90% of cases.
Because it is frequently discovered in the late stages, it is often fatal.
“Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose and then treat,” said Marianna Papageorge, MD, the study’s principal researcher and a research fellow at Boston Medical Center.
“Our findings show that gallstone disease could be used to improve cancer diagnosis, perhaps saving more lives. Although gallstone disease does not cause pancreatic cancer, recognising its link to PDAC can help combat the disease’s high mortality rate by allowing for early identification and treatment. “It’s such a terrible disease, and survival is so low,” says one researcher. Because people present at such advanced stages, whatever we can do to diagnose them early and ensure they receive curative therapy is critical “This could help researchers better understand the next steps in screening, management, and diagnosis.”
We reported earlier this year that nearly a third of people overlook cancer warning signs.
Pancreatic Cancer UK has issued a warning that four critical symptoms of pancreatic cancer should not be overlooked.
According to experts, it’s critical to get care as soon as possible because pancreatic cancer is frequently identified too late.
Back ache, indigestion, stomach pain, and weight loss are all signs to watch for.
If you’ve had any of these symptoms for more than four weeks, you should see your doctor.
Anyone experiencing jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, should go to A&E right once, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK.
“It is incredibly concerning to hear that so many people would put off seeking treatment for so long,” said Diana Jupp, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Because of this, pancreatic cancer has not gone away.
