1. Upper Abdominal Pain or Back Pain
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Persistent discomfort in the upper abdomen or middle back.
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Pain may worsen after eating or lying down.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
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Rapid or significant weight loss without changes in diet or exercise.
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Often accompanied by loss of appetite.
3. Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin or Eyes)
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Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
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Often accompanied by dark urine and pale stools.
4. Digestive Problems
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Nausea, vomiting, bloating, or indigestion that doesn’t go away.
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Trouble digesting fatty foods.
5. New-Onset Diabetes
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Especially in adults over 50 with no family history.
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Sudden high blood sugar levels may be a warning sign.
6. Pale, Greasy, or Floating Stools
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Steatorrhea (fatty stools) caused by digestive enzyme blockage.
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Stools may appear light-colored, bulky, or foul-smelling.
7. Loss of Appetite
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Feeling full quickly or lack of interest in eating.
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May contribute to weight loss.
8. Itchy Skin
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Caused by bile salt buildup from blocked bile ducts.
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Can appear before visible jaundice.
9. Blood Clots
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Swelling, pain, or redness in the legs (deep vein thrombosis).
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Blood clots may occur in unusual locations without clear reason.
10. Fatigue
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Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
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Often due to cancer-related metabolic changes.
11. Indigestion or Heartburn
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Ongoing digestive discomfort or reflux that doesn’t respond to medication.
12. Unexplained Fever or Night Sweats
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Can indicate an immune response to cancer or related inflammation.
⚠️ Important Notes
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These symptoms can be caused by other, less serious conditions.
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Persistent or worsening symptoms should never be ignored.
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Early detection is key: if you notice one or more of these warning signs, see a doctor—ideally a gastroenterologist—for evaluation.
If you want, I can also create a quick checklist you can use to track these warning signs for yourself or a loved one, which can be handy before visiting a doctor. Do you want me to make that?
