The one cancer symptom that you might miss: How early detection could have saved this marathon runner
«I don't fear death,» Lee shared, «I fear leaving my children and Faye behind—not being there for them in their times of need.» As he prepares for his «last Christmas» with his family, Lee is also advocating for greater awareness of pancreatic cancer, hoping to prevent others from suffering the same fate.
The Unseen Symptom
Before receiving his terminal diagnosis, Lee experienced a seemingly innocuous symptom: a dull ache in his lower abdomen. Initially, he dismissed it as stress-related. However, after visiting his GP and being referred to a gastroenterologist, the pain intensified over time, eventually becoming unbearable.
By September, Lee's pain was so severe that he required daily painkillers, including co-codamol, but nothing alleviated the discomfort. «If you can imagine a scaffolding pole being slowly pushed through you, right through to your back, that’s what it felt like,» Lee explained. Despite having clear blood tests and a long waiting period to see specialists, his condition worsened, leading to a trip to the emergency room and, ultimately, the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer, often referred to as the «silent killer,» occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Symptoms can be subtle and easy to overlook, including back pain, unexplained weight loss, indigestion, and fatigue. By the time symptoms become severe, the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, as in Lee's case.
The NHS outlines common
