The NHSis urging anyone with "itchy skin" to monitor their symptoms. It could mean that you have cancer if you have it alongside other symptoms that may appear when you are on the toilet.

On its website, the NHS says that you could have pancreatic cancerif the "whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow (jaundice) and you may also have itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual".

Stressing to people not to brush this off as normal, it urges people to know the symptoms,even though "they might be hard to spot".

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Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can include:

• loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to


• feeling tired or having no energy


• a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery

Other symptoms can affect your digestion, such as:

• feeling or being sick


• diarrhoea or constipation, or other changes in your poo


• pain at the top part of your tummy and your back, which may feel worse when you're eating or lying down and better when you lean forward


• symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated

If you have an existing condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you might experience these kinds of symptoms frequently. However, it’s important to contact your GP if your symptoms change, worsen, or feel different from what’s normal for you.

You should see a GP if

• you've lost a noticeable amount of weight


• you have other symptoms of pancreatic cancer that get worse or do not get better after 2 weeks


• you have a condition that causes symptoms with your digestion that are not getting better after 2 weeks of using your usual treatments

Get an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if

• the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow


• you're being sick for more than 2 days


• you have diarrhoea for more than 7 days


• you have symptoms that you're worried about but are not sure where to get help

How do I know if I have cancer?

The only way to know for sure is to see your GP, who can refer you for further tests if needed. Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have cancer, as many of them are common and often caused by other conditions.

It’s also important to remember that if cancer is the cause, detecting it early can make it easier to treat.

Who is at risk of pancreatic cancer?

Anyone can get pancreatic cancer and "many pancreatic cancers are also linked to your lifestyle", the NHS says. But it's not always clear what causes it.

You might be more likely to get it if you:

• are over the age of 65 – it's not very common in people under 40


• have certain medical conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis


• there's a history of pancreatic cancer in your family

How can I lower my risk of pancreatic cancer?

The NHS advises that although pancreatic cancer cannot be completely prevented, making healthy lifestyle changes can reduce your risk. If you are overweight, losing weight may help, even a small amount can make a difference.

It also recommends limiting red meat and processed meats such as ham, bacon and salami. Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake are strongly encouraged, with guidance suggesting no more than 14 units per week.

If you are worried about your health, visit the NHS website. You should also book an appointment with your GP, who can carry out tests and address any concerns.

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