• Pain in the upper abdomen or upper back:    About 95% of all patients with pancreatic cancer have pain, often becoming quite severe as the disease advances.  The pain is often worse after eating, while lying down, and at night.

• Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from Jaundice:  the development of yellowish discoloration of the whites of the eyes, the skin, and the lining of the mouth and eyes.  If the cancer strikes the head of the pancreas, jaundice will occur early in the disease, because the tumor puts pressure on the common bile duct, the tube that connects the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder to the intestine.  However if the cancer is located in the body or tail of the pancreas, jaundice may occur later in the course of the disease.

• Weakness: A progressive decrease in energy level is common

• Loss of appetite: This may be one of the first symptoms of pancreatic cancer.  As cancer cells damage and destroy the cells of the pancreas, the pancreas loses the ability to aid in digestion.  This results to decreased appetite, and the inability to process and utilize the nutrients in food.  Over time, patients tend to fall about 10% below their ideal body weight.

• Nausea and vomiting: About 30% of patients with pancreatic cancer experience nausea and vomiting.

• Dark urine, light-colored stool:  Like jaundice, these symptoms occur earlier in the disease when the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas.

• Depression, mood swings:  Many individuals notice changes in their general mood and emotion.  True depression and mood swings occur in nearly 30% of patients.

• Blood clots:  Some patients develop blood clots, particularly in their legs 

These symptoms are not sure signs of pancreatic cancer. An infection or other problem could also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose the cause of a person's symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor so that the doctor can treat any problem as early as possible.