Woman, 22, suffered reflux-type symptoms that turned out to be cancer

Even serious conditions like pancreatic cancer can cause symptoms that aren’t very obvious. A case of a 22-year-old woman with this condition, described in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Case Reports, highlights the importance of paying attention to any unusual problems in your body. One of the first signs that broke the news of cancer taking over her pancreas was reflux-type symptoms.Many of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can overlap with other medical conditions, which makes the daunting condition difficult to identify.While heartburn is a common problem experienced by many patients, it was the ‘first’ indicator of pancreatic cancer in the woman’s case.For the 22-year-old ‘non-obese’ Asian woman, ‘reflux-type symptoms’ rang alarm bells.She also suffered several episodes of mid-back and abdominal pain.READ MORE: The ‘first noticeable’ sign of cholesterol build-up can strike when you walk – how to spot Pancreatic cancer: ‘First’ symptoms include ‘reflux-type’ problems or indigestion – study. (Image: GETTY)With no history of cancer in her family, no drinking or smoking activity and no previous hospital admissions for abdominal pain, she seemed like an unlikely cancer patient.The doctors initially treated her with a proton pump inhibitor, which is medicine that works by reducing the amount of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of the tummy.While this solution brought a marginal improvement, her pain persisted.Eventually, further diagnostic evaluation revealed pancreatic cancer in the head of the organ.DON’T MISS  She also suffered several episodes of mid-back and abdominal pain. (Image: GETTY) Cancer signs and symptoms to look out for include bleeding. (Image: Express.co.uk)’It can be worse when lying down. Sitting forward can sometimes make it feel better. It may be worse after eating.’Apart from these three tell-tale signs, pancreatic cancer also causes symptoms, including:The whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow (jaundice)Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying toFeeling tired or having no energyHigh temperature, or feeling hot or shiveryFeeling or being sickDiarrhoea or constipation, or other changes in your pooPain at the top part of your tummy and your back, which may feel worse when you are eating or lying down and better when you lean forwardSymptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated.If you notice any of these red flag signs, you should contact your GP, according to the NHS. The earlier you catch cancer, the greater your chances of a successful treatment.