Why it matters: Studies suggest that nearly 70% of pancreatic cancer patients report this kind of back or abdominal pain before diagnosis.
What to watch: If pain worsens when lying down or after eating, it might be worth mentioning to your doctor.
Could it just be muscle strain? Possibly—but if it persists or grows stronger, your body might be hinting at something deeper.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Have you noticed your clothes suddenly feel loose, even though your diet hasn’t changed? Unexplained weight loss can be an early red flag. The pancreas helps produce enzymes that digest food. When cancer disrupts that process, nutrients aren’t absorbed properly, and your body begins losing weight without trying.
