I'm young but I'm afraid it's pancreatic cancer

Hi Coelio

 Thank you for getting in touch, and welcome to our online community.  My name is Ursula, and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists here at Macmillan Cancer support.

I’m sorry to read about the symptoms you have been experiencing over the last weeks and months.  It is understandable that you are feeling anxious, trying to understand what is causing these symptoms and whether or not this could be cancer. I am glad you are being investigated for these.

You have done the right thing by seeing your GP. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides clear guidance to GPs on which symptoms may lead to a cancer diagnosis. We are not able, as nurses on the Macmillan Support Line, to offer a second opinion or make a diagnosis from your symptoms.

Although many people share your worries, most find their symptoms are caused by another illness or condition.

 When cancer is suspected, there is an urgency to get tests done, to either make or rule out a diagnosis.  Throughout England this is known as the Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS).  Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and Wales have their own similar processes.  You can read more about these here. 

Many areas of the country also have a ‘Non-Specific Symptoms’ pathway, which is sometimes referred to as a vague symptoms clinic, or rapid diagnostic centre. This is a referral route for individuals who do not meet the criteria for a specific cancer referral, but where this is a concern. These clinics are accessed through a referral by the GP. You can ask the GP if there is a non-specific symptoms pathway in your area and if you would qualify for a referral. If a cancer referral is not indicated then it may be that they can suggest an alternative route, but this would be outside our speciality as a cancer support service.

With any new, changing, or worsening symptom we always recommend that you contact your GP or 111 to be assessed, and to go back should they persist. It is also important to speak with your GP and make them aware how anxious you are about these.

It’s not unusual to feel anxious, especially when concerned about your health. Anxiety UK or Mind have some useful resources and strategies for managing anxiety.  You may also benefit from talking to someone about your fears and worries.  Your GP would be best placed at looking at local services to support you with this.

It may also be helpful to chat in more detail with one of our nurses, by giving our support line a call. We often find we can explain our answers in a bit more detail over the phone, giving you the opportunity to ask more questions if needed.

I hope this information is helpful, and please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you require any further information or support. 

Sending best wishes, 

Ursula 

You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

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