Abdominal Pain: The one cancer’s symptom that you might miss. How early detection could have saved this IT Professional
42 years old IT professional had recently faced the life-altering news of being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.
After experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, he present to me Jupiter Hospital Pune #cancerhospitalinbaner & learned that the cancer has spread to his liver, rendering it inoperable and leaving him with only a few months to cherish: Pancreas Cancer being highly aggressive and fast spreading.
In the midst of this heartbreaking journey, his spirit remains unbroken as he dedicates his time to creating beautiful memories with his beloved wife & his son.
He is also passionately advocating for awareness about pancreatic cancer, encouraging others to take their symptoms seriously and not to overlook their health.
The Unseen Symptom:
Before receiving his terminal diagnosis, He experienced what seemed like a minor issue: a dull ache in his lower abdomen.
At first, he brushed it off as something related to stress. However, after consulting with his family doctor and being referred to a me, the pain gradually intensified, reaching a point where it became unbearable.
By September, he found himself in such excruciating pain that he needed daily pain relief, . “Imagine a scaffolding pole being slowly pushed through you, right through to your back; that’s what it felt like,” he says. Despite having clear blood, his condition continued to deteriorate, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer, often known as the “silent killer,” arises when abnormal cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably, leading to tumor formation. The symptoms can be quite subtle and easily overlooked, such as
- back pain,
- unexplained weight loss,
- indigestion,
- fatigue/weakness,
- jaundice,
- Itchy skin,
- Yellow urine and skin,
- Constipation.
Sadly, by the time these symptoms become severe, many individuals, like him, find themselves facing a diagnosis at a more advanced stage.
Genetic Angle:
Pancreas cancers are genetic, He had a history of this grandfather died of Pancreas cancer still did not bother to test his own genetics for it. Please do not do this, If you have a positive family history, do test your blood for genetic cancers. His Blood test suggested BRCA1 gene mutation (abnormal) thats is causing this Pancreatic cancer in him and his family. We have stated him on Targeted therapy (tablet) that will make him live longer than other patients.
Be Aware and Stay Informed !
As a leading medical oncologist in Pune, Dr. Pratik Patil continues to raise awareness about hidden cancer symptoms and the importance of genetic testing.