7 Silent Signs of Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Eric Berg DC

606,823 views • 8 months ago

Video Summary

Pancreatic cancer is a highly deadly disease often referred to as the "silent killer" due to its late-stage detection. Seven early warning signs include sudden unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the left shoulder or spine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and darker urine) caused by bile backup. Other indicators are chronic diarrhea, new-onset diabetes potentially linked to tumor disruption of insulin production, feeling full quickly after eating, and overwhelming persistent fatigue.

The video also highlights unique aspects of this cancer, such as its association with bacteria, a thick tumor wall leading to oxygen deprivation that promotes spread, and its aggressive nature. Strategies for management and prevention include avoiding sugar, considering prolonged fasting, reducing chronic inflammation, and addressing risk factors like smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption. Maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels and adopting a healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep, reduced stress, exercise, and intermittent fasting are crucial for minimizing risk.

Short Highlights

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, often detected late due to its silent progression.
Seven early warning signs to watch for include: sudden unexpected weight loss, abdominal pain radiating to the left shoulder or spine, jaundice, chronic diarrhea, new-onset diabetes, feeling full quickly, and persistent fatigue.
The cancer's aggressive nature is exacerbated by its dense tumor wall, leading to oxygen deprivation and increased spread.
Risk factors include smoking tobacco (25% risk increase), obesity, type 2 diabetes, alcohol consumption, and poor diet.
Preventive measures involve avoiding sugar, considering prolonged fasting, maintaining high Vitamin D levels (over 100-150 ng/mL), reducing inflammation through diet and lifestyle, and managing stress and sleep.

Key Details

Early Warning Signs of Pancreatic Cancer [00:00]

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease often called the "silent killer" because symptoms are typically absent until the cancer is advanced.
Early identification of triggers significantly improves prognosis.
The seven early warning signs are:
1. Sudden Unexpected Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss due to the pancreas's role in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
2. Abdominal Pain: A dull, persistent pain that can radiate to the left shoulder or spine, potentially caused by tumor pressure on nerves. Eating may worsen the pain.
3. Jaundice: Yellowing of the eyes and urine becoming darker, indicating bile backup due to duct blockage. This can also impair fat digestion.
4. Chronic Diarrhea: Often linked to the pancreas's digestive enzyme function; dietary changes might resolve this if not cancer-related.
5. New-Onset Diabetes: A tumor can disrupt insulin-producing cells, leading to initial overproduction of insulin followed by the pancreas becoming fatigued and unable to regulate blood sugar.
6. Feeling Full Quickly: Eating small amounts of food leads to a rapid sensation of fullness, possibly due to bloating or tumor pressure.
7. Persistent Fatigue: An overwhelming and unresolvable tiredness that is more severe than typical fatigue.

The more you can identify these early triggers, the greater the prognosis is going to be.

Unique Aspects and Aggressive Nature [03:38]

Consuming sugar should be avoided if diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, as it may fuel bacteria within the tumor.
Research is exploring the microbiome's role in potentially improving outcomes.
The tumor's dense exterior creates an oxygen-deprived interior, which triggers cancer spread.
Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive.

Management and Prevention Strategies [04:25]

Prolonged Fasting: Immediately starting periodic prolonged fasting is recommended to starve the cancer of resources, as it needs both fuel and membranes to build itself.
Age Correlation: Pancreatic cancer often occurs after age 40-60, suggesting a link to chronic inflammation related to food and lifestyle.
Risk Factors: Major risk factors include smoking tobacco (increasing risk by 25%), obesity, type 2 diabetes (often linked to refined carbohydrate and sugar intake), and alcohol.
Genes: Certain genes can increase risk, often triggered by smoking or poor diet.
Vitamin D: Maintaining high Vitamin D levels (personally recommended over 100-150 ng/mL) can help shrink cancer and boost the immune system's ability to fight it.
Lifestyle: Key preventive measures include adequate sleep, stress reduction, exercise, and intermittent fasting, which allows the pancreas to rest. Eating the wrong foods and causing chronic inflammation are detrimental.
Natural Remedies: Cruciferous vegetables, green tea, allicin (in garlic), and berberine are mentioned as beneficial, with berberine mimicking metformin, which has been linked to reduced cancer risk.

The moral of the story is you don't want to ignore certain signs or symptoms that your body is trying to let you know there's a problem. But then again, don't be paranoid about these symptoms.