Pancreatic cancer could be diagnosed 3 years earlier with these early stage symptoms

Every year more than 10,000 people are diagnosed in the UK and survival rates for the cancer are "extremely poor" with 90% of people being diagnosed when it's too late for surgery, according to experts.

Weight loss and increased blood glucose levels are among the early 'red flags' of this kind of cancer and could lead to a diagnosis three years earlier than current rates.

A new study, published in the journal PLOS One, investigated different signs of pancreatic cancer, including weight loss, hyperglycemia and diabetes and made timelines for when they develop in relation to cancer. 

PA (Image: PA)

Pancreatic cancer study says weight loss and high blood sugar levels can be early signs

Lead author Dr Agnieszka Lemanska, Lecturer in Data Science at the University of Surrey, said: "Due to the difficulty in detecting pancreatic cancer, survival rates are extremely poor compared to other cancers, with less than 10 per cent of people surviving five years or more after diagnosis.

"Weight loss and increased blood glucose are recognized symptoms of pancreatic cancer. However, the extent of these symptoms and when they manifest have been unknown. Knowing when they develop will help clinicians to diagnose this deadly cancer, meaning treatment can begin earlier."

The University of Surrey researchers, in partnership with ancreatic Cancer Action and the University of Oxford, analysed the data from 8,777 patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and compared it to a control group of 34,979.

The study found that dramatic weight loss in people with pancreatic cancer could be detected two years before their official diagnosis.

It reported that the cancer patients' average Body Mass Index ( BMI), which is worked out by dividing someone's weight by their height, was 25.7, compared to an average BMI of 28.4 for those without cancer.

Meanwhile, a rise in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was detectable from three years before the diagnosis.

Professor Simon de Lusignan, University of Oxford, said:" Our research suggests that a dramatic and unexplained weight loss, mainly in people with, but also in those without diabetes, as well as an unexplained hyperglycemia, should be treated with high levels of suspicion."

These findings have prompted searchers to call on clinicians to conduct BMI and HbA1c assessments more regularly for their patients both with and without diabetes. 

8,700 people die from pancreatic cancer every year according to Pancreatic Cancer UK including the likes of actors Alan Rickman, John Hurt and Patrick Swayze.

READ MORE: 'Breakthrough’ new cancer vaccine could be available by 2030

READ MORE: Bowel cancer: The signs and symptoms to be aware of

What is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow out of control and form a lump which is known as a tumour or mass.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common kind but there are other types of the cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer symptoms

Pancreatic Cancer UK lists some of the most common symptoms of the cancer as:

• Indigestion
• Tummy /Back pain
• Changes to your poo
• Weight loss
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Recent diabetes diagnosis
• Problems with food digestion
• Feeling sick
• Feeling tired
• Blood clots

What causes Pancreatic Cancer?

The risk factors for Pancreatic Cancer are still unclear with many studies producing results that contradict each other. 

However, Pancreatic Cancer UK says that there is good evidence that age, smoking, being overweight or obese, a family history of pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes may increase your risk of pancreatic cancer.

For more information, visit the Pancreatic Cancer UK website.