We can describe pancreatic cancer as a silent disease because it usually develops without exhibiting obvious symptoms until reaching the final stage. Further, the actual complication is the signs will vary between men and women, which will delay detection in women. Let’s dive into this blog to learn how pancreatic cancer symptoms differ in women.
Below we can see the common signs of pancreatic cancer in females,
1) Digestive discomfort:
– Common symptoms: The first set of symptoms women may experience is abdominal bloating, indigestion, and discomfort. These are the common symptoms among men and women, but women initially ignore them by thinking of these signs as acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Typically when compared with men, women will experience more digestive issues, they will assume these signs as just a part of their typical GI problems. This discomfort is the primary sign of a tumor pressing on the stomach or intestine.
2) Sudden weight loss:
– Common symptoms: Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and feeling full even after eating a small meal are the more specific indications. This is a common symptom for several other issues and also for pancreatic cancer.
Typically no one will relate sudden weight loss with cancer. Women will mostly see it as a welcome change, or they may attribute it to lifestyle factors, dietary changes, or stress. When there is a sudden weight drop without potential lifestyle changes could be a sign of some serious issues.
3) Chronic fatigue:
– Common symptoms: Women with pancreatic cancer will persistently feel exhausted. Simply, persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve the proper rest is a primary symptom, which will make your daily tasks challenging.
Fatigue is linked with a hectic lifestyle or hormonal fluctuations, notably around menstruation or menopause. So women will never consider this as a possible symptom of cancer. In case, fatigue comes along with other signs such as digestive issues or back pain, it’s better to discuss with the best cancer doctor in Coimbatore immediately.
4) Back pain:
– Common symptoms: The main sign of pancreatic cancer in women is back pain, which usually occurs in the middle or upper back. Women will overlook this or mistake it for general back issues, muscle strain, or even kidney-related problems.
Most of the women population will experience back pain, which worsens as they age. Usually, they think that this discomfort is related to posture, daily activities, or existing back issues rather than considering it as a sign of pancreatic cancer. Chronic back pain that doesn’t relieve with treatments, however, should not be ignored.
5) Jaundice and skin changes:
– Common symptoms: Yellowing of eyes or skin, occurs when the tumor obstructs the bile duct. Even women with pancreatic cancer will also have itchiness or changes in skin texture.
Initially, these changes in skin color are mistaken for common skin color changes and they will reach out to a dermatologist. Simply, jaundice is associated with liver issues, so it’s tough to connect it with the pancreas. Also, if jaundice occurs without any liver issues it’s better to visit a hospital.
6) Mood changes:
– Common symptoms: Pancreatic cancer and mood changes have a strong relation like depression and anxiety. Women will go through sadness, irritability, or a general lack of interest in activities that they like to do.
Often the mood swings are connected with hormonal changes, life changes, or stress, they may be dismissed as unrelated to physical health. If mood swings are accompanied by physical symptoms, that could strongly indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer in women.
7) Irregular menstrual cycle:
– Common symptoms: A few women will face irregular periods or unusual hormonal fluctuations, but this is a less common indicator. These hormonal changes could be due to the body’s stress response to cancer or changes in metabolism.
Hormonal changes and irregular periods are common issues that can arise due to several factors. So usually women won’t immediately signal this issue. Also, if menstrual irregularities are accompanied by other unexplained symptoms such as fatigue and digestive discomfort, reach out to your doctor.
8) Sudden onset of diabetes:
– Common symptoms: At times, pancreatic cancers will trigger diabetes due to the tumor’s impact on insulin production. So, if women develop diabetes in later stages of life without a family history, that could indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer.
Usually, diabetes is treated as an isolated condition, but it could also be a symptom of other underlying conditions. If a woman experiences other signs of pancreatic cancer with diabetes, it could be a warning sign and medical treatment is crucial.
9) Pale stools:
– Common symptoms: Changes in stool color are also a potential sign, stools will become pale, oily, or have a strong odor, these will occur when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient enzymes for digestion.
Women will think that this happens due to diet or other digestive issues. So persistent stool changes that don’t change with dietary adjustments could indicate pancreatic cancer.
10) Unusual thirst:
– Common symptoms: At times pancreatic cancer signs and diabetes challenges will greatly align like more thirst and frequent urination. This is due to the pancreas’s role in insulin regulation.
Usually, women think that this is related to lifestyle, hydration, or other common conditions. When these signs occur along with sudden weight loss and issues with digestion, it’s better to get medical help.
When to seek a doctor?
If you are going through any of the symptoms mentioned above, notably when combination or over for a long period consider visiting a top cancer hospital in Coimbatore. It’s tough to detect pancreatic cancer in its early stage but it is crucial for improving outcomes.
Final thoughts:
In conclusion, pancreatic cancer can affect women in different ways, and they will usually dismiss the signs as common issues. If you are experiencing persistent changes in your digestion, energy, or mood, it’s crucial to pay attention to your body and seek professional advice. Always remember that timely diagnosis could make a significant difference.
