Persistent back painwhich many people consider to be just a strained muscle or the result of bad posture, can be in some cases an early warning sign of pancreatic cancerdoctors warn. Experts say that this disease is especially difficult to detect at an early stagebecause the symptoms are often vague and easy to miss. As a result, many cases are diagnosed only at a later stage, when treatment options are limitedinforms
Pancreatic cancer is becoming a growing problem. About 10,500 people are diagnosed each year and the disease is expected to become one of the leading causes of cancer death. dr. Jiří Kubeš, medical director of the Proton Therapy Center, stated that one of the most frequently overlooked symptoms is dull, persistent pain in the back. “Pancreatic cancer often causes no obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is why it is so difficult to detect,” he said.
dr. Kubes explained that the pancreas is located deep in the abdominal cavity, near the spine, which means that pain can sometimes be felt in the back rather than the stomach. It can easily be mistaken for a muscle problem or general discomfort. “Due to the position of the pancreas, the pain can shoot into the back and be quite non-specific,” he explained. “It is often described as a dull or lingering pain rather than a sharp pain.” He added that this symptom is particularly worrying if it is permanent and not related to movement or physical activity.
The problem with pancreatic cancer is that symptoms can be subtle and develop gradually. Many people seek help only when several symptoms appear at the same time. “In addition to back pain, people can notice unexplained weight loss, fatigue or changes in appetite,” explained the doctor. In some cases, it may also occur jaundice or changes in digestion.
Because these symptoms can easily be mistaken for less serious illnesses, people may delay seeing a doctor. Although most back pain is not related to cancer, experts emphasize that persistent or unusual symptoms should not be ignored. Early examination is key for better treatment results. “If you have persistent back pain that you can’t explain and isn’t getting better, it is important to get checked out“, added Dr. Kubeš. “It’s always better to rule out something serious than to be too late,” he added.
