Symptom: Digestive difficulties

Common digestive difficulties associated with pancreatic cancer include weight loss, poor appetite, indigestion and nausea. Some or all of these symptoms may occur when a tumor in the pancreas presses against the stomach or small intestine. Digestive symptoms can also occur due to blockage of the pancreatic duct through which the digestive enzymes flow or changes in the amount of pancreatic enzymes produced. In addition, compression of the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum, could result in narrowing of the small intestine and a back-up of food in the stomach causing nausea and vomiting. Various changes in diet, pancreatic enzyme supplements and other treatments can help to alleviate many digestive symptoms.

For more detailed information on diet issues related to pancreatic cancer, please contact a Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) Associate and ask for the educational booklet, Diet and Nutrition: Nutritional Concerns with Pancreatic Cancer. Contact a PALS Associate toll free at 877-272-6226 or email pals@pancan.org. PALS Associates are available M-F 7am-5pm Pacific Time.