People born before 1966 urged to watch for this ‘serious’ disease symp

People born before 1966 are being urged to stay alert to a potentially “serious” symptom that could signal a deadly disease. Experts warn that one subtle but important sign – often dismissed – could point to pancreatic cancer, which is more common in people aged 60 and over.

The NHS says spotting symptoms early could make a life-saving difference, yet the condition is notoriously hard to detect. That’s because early warning signs are often vague, meaning many cases are diagnosed at a late stage. Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, said pancreatic cancer can easily go unnoticed in its early stages.

She explained: “Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage because symptoms can be vague or non-specific, which is why understanding the lifestyle factors linked to risk is so important. Small, consistent habits over time can have a significant impact.” Dr Maula pointed to risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and diet.

One of the lesser-known symptoms is yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, known as jaundice – one of the clearest early warning signs.

According to the NHS, jaundice is often easier to spot in the eyes, especially in people with darker skin. It occurs when a substance called bilirubin builds up in the body, which can be caused by serious conditions such as liver disease, gallstones, or pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the UK, with around 10,500 new cases diagnosed each year, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK. The charity reports that more than half of cases occur in people aged 75 and over, reinforcing the need for older adults to stay vigilant.

Survival rates remain stark, with fewer than 10% of patients surviving five years or more after diagnosis, according to Cancer Research UK. Late detection is a major factor, as symptoms like fatigue, weight loss and digestive issues can easily be mistaken for less serious conditions.

The NHS says other symptoms to watch for include loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness and a high temperature. Digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and indigestion can also occur, along with pain in the upper abdomen or back.

Experts stress that while these symptoms are common and often linked to other conditions, changes that feel unusual should never be ignored. People are advised to seek medical help if symptoms persist, worsen or do not feel normal for them.

Urgent advice is clear: anyone experiencing jaundice, prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea should contact a GP or NHS 111 straight away. Early checks could rule out serious illness — or ensure faster treatment if needed.