The pancreas is an organ positioned within the stomach, simply behind the abdomen. Its predominant features are to assist with the digestion of meals and management blood sugar.

Cancer of the pancreas is the tenth commonest kind of most cancers within the UK, however the fifth most threatening. It accounts for nearly 10,000 deaths yearly - or 26 a day.

Part of what makes the illness so lethal is the truth that it may be symptomless. Or signs will be “hard to spot”, in keeping with the NHS.

Some signs may seem in essentially the most unlikely locations, that means they might simply be mistaken for one thing else.

One such symptom may even seem within the ft and ankles.

Pancreatic Cancer UK describes how sufferers with the pancreatic cancer who're “approaching the end of their life” might get a construct up fluid of their legs and ft.

This is thought medically as oedema and causes swelling that may be uncomfortable and painful.

It may make it tough to maneuver round correctly.

The charity explains: “Fluid may also build up in other parts of your body, such as your arms, legs and feet. This can cause swelling, and is called oedema.

“Some people also get oedema in their genitals. Oedema can be uncomfortable and painful and can make it harder for you to move around.”

The illness may trigger fluid to construct up within the stomach, which is a situation often called ascites.

“You may have swelling in your tummy and you may feel full quickly when you eat,” Pancreatic Cancer UK says.

“You might find it harder to move around and may get breathless. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse.

“You may also find it difficult to get comfortable when lying down, or on your side. You may find it more comfortable to use pillows to prop yourself up when you sleep.”

Other signs

Other signs of pancreatic most cancers can embody:

• The whites of your eyes or your skin flip yellow (jaundice), and you might also have itchy pores and skin
• Darker pee and paler poo than regular
• Loss of urge for food or losing weight with out attempting to
• Feeling tired or having no vitality
• A excessive temperature, or feeling sizzling or shivery.

The NHS states that the illness may have an effect on your digestion.

This may cause:

• Feeling or being sick
• Diarrhoea or constipation, or different modifications in your poo
• Pain on the prime a part of your tummy and your again, which can really feel worse if you're consuming or Lying down and higher if you lean ahead
• Symptoms of indigestion, akin to feeling bloated.

If you expertise any signs of pancreatic most cancers you need to converse to your GP.

It just isn't at all times clear why somebody develops pancreatic most cancers however you're at larger danger for the illness in case you:

• Are over the age of 65 – it is not quite common in folks beneath 40
• Have sure medical circumstances, akin to persistent pancreatitis
• There's a historical past of pancreatic most cancers in your loved ones.

Odema doesn't essentially imply you might have pancreatic most cancers. It can have some less-serious causes akin to standing or sitting in the identical place for too lengthy, consuming an excessive amount of salty meals, being obese, being pregnant and taking sure medicines.

However, it may also be attributable to:

• An harm – akin to a pressure or sprain
• An insect chunk or sting
• Problems along with your kidneys, liver or coronary heart
• A blood clot
• An an infection.