People are being urged to be aware of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer after it was announced that The Smiths bassist sadly passed away aged 59 after his battle with the illness.
Andy Rourke, who was part of the iconic band formed back in the 80s, was described as "supremely gifted" by bandmate Johnny Marr who announced his death on Twitter on May 19.
It was revealed that he fought a "lengthy battle" with the illness, which can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages. But there are some key symptoms to look out for that can be a "red flag" of the condition.
Having these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean that you have cancer, as they can be caused by a number of different health issues.
However, it's still important to see your GP if you're concerned in any way.
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
According to the NHS, some of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are as follows:
- the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow (jaundice), and you may also have itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- feeling tired or having no energy
- a high temperature, or feeling hot or shivery
Other symptoms can affect your digestion, such as:
- feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea or constipation, or other changes in your poo
- pain at the top part of your tummy and your back, which may feel worse when you're eating or lying down and better when you lean forward
- symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated
What causes pancreatic cancer?
It's not always known what causes this type of cancer, as anyone can get it. However, half of all cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 75, and it's uncommon for people under 40 to be diagnosed.
The cancer is also more common if you have other certain medical problems, such as long-term chronic pancreatitis, or if there is a history with the cancer in your family.
It's not always preventable, but there are certain lifestyle changes you can make in order to lower the risk.
These include trying to stay a healthy weight, cutting down on processed red meats such as bacon and salami, quitting smoking and reducing the amount of alcohol you drink.
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