A leading pancreatic surgeon has issued a vital warning about a common but potentially dangerous symptom. Neville Menezes, consultant pancreatic surgeon at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, stresses that persistent back pain—especially when it fails to improve with treatment—could signal a serious underlying condition: pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer, while ranking as the tenth most common cancer in the UK, is alarmingly the fifth deadliest, causing roughly 10,100 deaths each year, according to Cancer Research UK.
The disease originates in the pancreas, a vital gland located behind the abdomen that aids digestion and regulates blood sugar through hormone production. Menezes cautions that pancreatic cancer often develops silently, with symptoms that may initially seem mild or vague. “By the time symptoms become severe, the disease is frequently at an advanced stage,” he notes. “Recognizing subtle bodily changes and seeking timely medical advice can be life-saving.”
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One key symptom to monitor is persistent upper abdominal or back pain that does not subside and remains unresponsive to typical treatments such as painkillers or medication to reduce stomach acid. Cancer Research UK echoes this advice, emphasizing that abdominal or back pain—often described as dull or gnawing—can accompany pancreatic cancer, particularly when the tumor affects the body or tail of the pancreas. This pain may radiate to the sides or back, worsen after eating, or intensify when lying down.
Pancreatic Cancer Action adds that mid-back pain may result from the tumor pressing on nearby nerves or organs. Some patients also report pain beneath the shoulder or shoulder blade, and occasionally simultaneous pain in both the back and abdomen.
Beyond back pain, Menezes warns to be alert for additional symptoms which, especially if they persist over four weeks, should prompt immediate consultation with a GP. While these signs don’t necessarily indicate pancreatic cancer, they warrant thorough evaluation to rule out serious illness.
Early recognition and swift action are crucial, as pancreatic cancer remains challenging to detect in its early stages. Keeping an eye on persistent, unexplained pain and other warning signs could save lives.