‘Early diagnosis crucial’ – man with pancreatic cancer on first sign

Cancer can reveal itself in subtle and unexpected ways, as a case study led by Pancreatic Cancer UK shows. Knowing the warning signs is the first step in identifying the deadly condition. A man, who didn’t feel unwell, shared the “first” symptoms that led to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis at the age of 50.

The location of pancreatic cancer tumour means that symptoms can often crop up in your tummy.

This was also the case for Andy, who didn’t share his last name, as the first symptoms appeared in this area.

Andy told Pancreatic Cancer UK: “I was diagnosed on May 31, 2013, by pure fate, I believe.

“Now that I look back, I had the first signs in late February with severe abdominal pains, but a visit to the doctors suggested I might have gallstones. 

READ MORE: Three warning signs that your leg pain is caused by cholesterol build-up – ‘first symptom’

“I was sent for an ultrasound, but they couldn’t find anything so the doctor suggested I cut out fatty foods and it seemed to work, I was pain free again.”

But what seemed like a small victory for Andy didn’t last for too long.

In May, he went offshore to work on a rig, where he spotted something was off when he was using the loo.

He said: “I started to notice my urine was very dark and my stools were pale and refused to flush. 

DON’T MISS 

He was booked for surgery and also received six months of chemotherapy to target the tumour.

Andy said: “Before this, I knew nothing about pancreatic cancer, and I just wanted to show others that there are survivors out there, but early diagnosis is crucial!”

Fortunately, the treatment worked well for Andy, who’s now doing well.

He even surpassed the five-year survival statistics. Andy added: “I am happy to confirm that I continue to keep very good health.”