Pancreatic cancer is caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the pancreas.

In the early stages of the disease, a tumour in the pancreas doesn’t usually cause any symptoms.

This can make it difficult to diagnose. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may develop.

The first noticeable symptoms of pancreatic cancer include pain in the back or stomach area, unexpected weight loss and jaundice.

Aside from these, another symptom is indigestion.

Indigestion is a very common problem which causes heartburn, bloating and trapped wind.

According to the NHS, most people will have indigestion at some point.

In most cases it is not a sign of anything serious and can be easily treated.

However, in some cases, indigestion could be a symptom of pancreatic cancer if it develops alongside other symptoms.

Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, fever and shivering, and blood clots.

“It’s important to remember these symptoms can be caused by many different conditions, and aren’t usually the result of cancer,” said the NHS.

“But you should contact your GP if you’re concerned, or if these symptoms start suddenly.”

Symptoms of diabetes may also develop alongside pancreatic cancer, as the tumour can stop the pancreas from producing insulin as it normally would.

As symptoms don’t usually appear in the early stages of pancreatic cancer, it is often far advanced when detected.

This makes it difficult to treat, especially if the tumour is large or has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment for pancreatic cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Some stages of pancreatic cancer only require one form of treatment, whereas others may require two types of treatment or a combination of all three.

Pancreatic cancer is not common in people under the age of 40.

Around half of all new cases are diagnosed in people aged 75 or over, according to the NHS.

The risk of developing the disease is increased if you have diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, or a stomach ulcer.