Pancreatic cancer has no obvious early symptoms; how can it be detected early?

Generally, early symptoms of pancreatic cancer are not obvious. Early detection can be facilitated by paying attention to subtle bodily changes, undergoing regular targeted examinations, controlling high-risk factors, taking family medical history seriously, and being vigilant about associated symptoms, thereby reducing the risk of disease progression. Specific measures are as follows:

1. Pay attention to subtle bodily abnormalities: Be alert for unexplained dull or bloating pain in the upper abdomen, which may radiate to the back and often worsens at night or when fasting, with no significant relief after rest. Also monitor for loss of appetite and rapid, unintentional weight loss, which could be early signs of pancreatic cancer.

2. Regular targeted screenings: High-risk individuals should undergo regular pancreatic cancer screenings, including abdominal ultrasound and tumor marker tests. If initial results show abnormalities, further imaging such as contrast-enhanced CT or MRI is recommended to clearly evaluate the pancreas' structure and detect small lesions at an early stage.

3. Control high-risk factors: Actively manage risk factors that may contribute to pancreatic cancer, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption—avoiding long-term heavy drinking. Individuals with diabetes or chronic pancreatitis should strictly follow medical advice, receive regular monitoring, and minimize prolonged damage to pancreatic tissue.

4. Take family history seriously: A family history of pancreatic cancer increases personal risk. In such cases, screening should begin earlier and occur more frequently than for the general population—ideally every six months to one year—to closely monitor pancreatic health and enable early detection and intervention.

5. Be alert to associated symptoms: Watch for yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), darkened urine, or pale stools, which may indicate bile duct obstruction caused by a pancreatic tumor compressing the duct. Additionally, persistent unexplained fatigue or lethargy warrants timely evaluation for potential pancreatic issues.

It is recommended to maintain a regular daily routine, avoid excessive fatigue, and actively learn about health information, particularly early signs of pancreatic cancer, to increase sensitivity to abnormal bodily signals.