What are the key symptoms and signs that should raise suspicion for pa

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Key symptoms and signs raising suspicion for pancreatic cancer in primary care include:

Abdominal pain with unexplained weight loss in people aged 60 and over should prompt consideration of pancreatic cancer and urgent direct access CT scan or ultrasound if CT is unavailable within 2 weeks .
New onset diabetes with weight loss in people aged 60 and over is a red flag for pancreatic cancer and warrants urgent imaging as above .
Diarrhoea or constipation accompanied by weight loss in people aged 60 and over should also raise suspicion and lead to urgent imaging .
Jaundice in adults aged 40 years and over, especially painless jaundice, is a critical sign requiring urgent suspected cancer pathway referral .

These symptoms and signs should prompt urgent investigation and referral to exclude pancreatic cancer in the primary care setting.

What are the key symptoms and signs that should raise suspicion for pancreatic cancer in a primary care setting?