Pancreatic cancer is often called the “silent killer” because early symptoms are hard to detect, and diagnosis frequently occurs at an advanced stage. Gastroenterologist Dr. Hsiao Tun-Jen shared a case of a patient who experienced persistent back pain and was found to have a 0.5 cm tumor in the tail of the pancreas. He advised that persistent upper abdominal pain, often mistaken for stomach discomfort, should prompt immediate medical evaluation. Dr. Hsiao also emphasized reducing sugar intake to lower the risk of pancreatic cancer.
On the program Wish You Health, Dr. Hsiao explained that the pancreas is divided into head, body, and tail, with tumors most commonly occurring in the head (70%), followed by the body (20%) and tail (10%). Symptoms vary by location: head tumors often cause jaundice and dark urine, while tail tumors may present primarily as pain, sometimes radiating to the back.
He cited a case of a 57-year-old biology professor who experienced persistent back pain unrelieved by changing positions. An ultrasound revealed a 0.5 cm tumor in the pancreatic tail. Fortunately, early detection allowed for surgical removal, and the patient has remained healthy for five years post-operation.
Dr. Hsiao noted that upper abdominal pain is a common early symptom. Many patients initially suspect a stomach issue, and doctors typically perform an endoscopy first. If pain persists after two weeks of medication, further examinations are warranted.
Nutrition also plays a role: reducing sugar intake helps lower the risk of pancreatic cancer. As Dr. Chien Cheng-Hung explained, the pancreas regulates blood sugar and aids in fat digestion. Excessive consumption of sugary, high-fat, and refined carbohydrate foods can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. People with diabetes have about twice the risk compared to the general population.
