Subtle Toilet Change? It Could Be Pancreatic Cancer!

Pancreatic cancer, often dubbed a “silent killer,” remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to its late detection and vague symptoms. Experts are now urging the public to be more aware of the subtle signs, especially changes in toilet habits, that could indicate the onset of this deadly disease.

Awareness of changes in energy levels, pain, and physical appearance can make all the difference in early detection of pancreatic cancer

Each year, around 10,000 people in the UK receive the devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Tragically, most of these patients don’t survive beyond three months, primarily because the disease is usually detected too late. The urgency of early detection cannot be overstated, as it significantly increases the chances of survival.

One notable individual currently facing this battle is former England football manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. Diagnosed in January, Eriksson recently shared a heartfelt public farewell, acknowledging that he is in the final months of his life. His story has brought renewed attention to the importance of recognizing the early signs of pancreatic cancer, which are often overlooked or mistaken for less severe conditions.

One high-profile sufferer, former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, was diagnosed in January and recently issued a public farewell as he faces his last months of life

To coincide with the release of a new Amazon Prime documentary about Eriksson’s life, Pancreatic Cancer Action is launching a campaign to raise awareness about the “hidden” warning signs of the disease. The charity stresses that early detection is crucial, yet it is frequently hindered by the disease’s vague symptoms. As a result, pancreatic cancer is often misdiagnosed, leading to a delay in treatment that can be fatal.

The football legend, pictured with former partner Nancy Dell’Olio, features in a newly released Amazon Prime documentary about his life

A staggering 43 percent of patients first learn they have pancreatic cancer during an emergency visit to A&E, often after multiple visits to their GP where the disease was not identified. By the time symptoms become severe enough to prompt emergency care, surgery—currently the only curative treatment—may no longer be an option, as the cancer has likely spread to other parts of the body.

One of the most overlooked symptoms is a change in toilet habits. Specifically, the condition known as steatorrhoea, where stools become pale, greasy, and difficult to flush, can be an early sign of pancreatic cancer. This occurs when the pancreatic ducts, crucial for digestion, are blocked by a tumor, preventing proper absorption of nutrients and leading to the production of fatty stools.

Abdominal pain that worsens over time and changes to toilet habits, including steatorrhoea — fatty stools. You may pass frequent, large bowel motions that are pale coloured and smelly, and are difficult to flush away

Other symptoms that warrant attention include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and jaundice—a yellowing of the skin or eyes. Jaundice, in particular, can be a sign that a tumor in the pancreas is blocking the bile duct, causing a buildup of bilirubin in the body. This can also lead to dark urine, which may appear yellow or orange.

Ghost and Dirty Dancing leading man Patrick Swayze. He passed away in September 2009 at the age of 57, 20 months after his pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Dan Godley, a marathon runner from Stoke-on-Trent, believes that his persistence in seeking medical advice was key to his survival. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021 at the age of 28, Dan initially noticed a tightness in his abdomen, which he attributed to a food allergy. Despite receiving reassurance from his doctors after an ultrasound and blood tests showed nothing alarming, Dan continued to push for answers as his symptoms worsened. Eventually, his persistence paid off, and he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early enough to receive successful treatment.

Initially, Dan Godley put his stomach pain down to a food allergy but after three months booked in to see a doctor

Dan feels persistence in seeking medical advice, despite seemingly mild symptoms, was key to catching his cancer early — and he has been successfully treated

“Time is of the essence with pancreatic cancer,” says Joe Kirwin, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action. “We encourage everyone to trust their instincts and see a healthcare professional if they notice unusual symptoms, no matter how small they may seem. Early diagnosis saves lives, and Dan’s story is a testament to this.”

Pancreatic cancer has claimed the lives of several high-profile figures, including “Harry Potter” star Alan Rickman and “Dirty Dancing” icon Patrick Swayze. Both were diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, underscoring the importance of early detection.

Other famous sufferers include Harry Potter star Alan Rickman, who died in January 2016 aged 69. The Professor Snape actor was diagnosed in August the year before after suffering a stroke

As Pancreatic Cancer Action continues to advocate for increased awareness, the message is clear: subtle changes in your body, such as toilet habits, could be the early warning signs that save your life. Don’t ignore them—trust your instincts and seek medical advice. Early detection could make all the difference.