Pancreatic cancer is often called a “silent killer” because early tumors rarely cause clear warning signs. Symptoms usually appear only after the cancer has grown large or spread, but the following clues should never be ignored: Upper-abdominal or back painA dull ache or pressure that starts deep in the upper abdomen and radiates to the mid-back is common. The pain may worsen after eating or when lying flat and does not respond to usual back-care measures. Unexplained weight loss and early satietyPatients frequently notice a rapid drop in body weight without dieting. They feel full after a few bites because... Learn more