Diagnosed with 'Milgaru Min-gam' sensitivity... turned out to be 'Choejangam', what were the symptoms?

Late Diagnosis of Terminal Pancreatic Cancer in a Woman in Her 40s in the UK
Indigestion Symptoms Make It Hard to Distinguish from Common Stomach Pain
Less Than 5% Long-Term Survival Rate, Regular Screenings Are Essential

A story has emerged about a woman in her 40s in the UK who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer too late and ultimately passed away, raising awareness about the disease. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early and is often called the "silent killer."

On the 12th (local time), British media outlets such as The Sun reported the story of Emma King (43), who ultimately died from pancreatic cancer. King regularly exercised during her lifetime and was actively involved in outdoor activities, even participating in a running club.

Among pancreatic cancer patients, 90% complain of abdominal pain, but it is not easy to distinguish it from other symptoms such as indigestion. It is said that suspicion should arise if there is unexplained weight loss or sudden onset of diabetes. Getty Images

However, starting from her 40th birthday in 2017, she began experiencing indigestion symptoms. When the bloated feeling worsened, she visited the hospital, but each time, medical staff diagnosed her with stomach upset or sensitivity to flour. Later, King experienced rapid weight loss and returned to the hospital, but even then, the medical staff did not recommend further testing.

After suffering from stomach upset for two years, King's health rapidly deteriorated in 2019. Her sister, Hailey, said, "Emma sensed that this was not just simple indigestion," and added, "Only then did she undergo a CT scan and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer."

Emma King (43), a woman diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who ultimately passed away. Photo by The Sun capture

The tumor that started in King's pancreas had already metastasized to her liver. Medical staff immediately began treatment, but her condition worsened. Eventually, King passed away in 2021. Witnessing the tragic death of her sister, Hailey said, "I am currently supporting pancreatic cancer research through various activities, including participating in marathons." She emphasized, "More people need to detect pancreatic cancer early. I hope that what happened to my sister does not happen to others."

In fact, pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early because its symptoms are not clear, earning it the nickname "the silent killer." Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant tumors develop in the pancreas, and patients generally experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice.

Among pancreatic cancer patients, 90% complain of abdominal pain, but it is difficult to distinguish from other symptoms like indigestion. However, as the cancer metastasizes, symptoms such as back pain may also occur, and unexplained weight loss or sudden onset of diabetes should raise suspicion.

The exact causes of pancreatic cancer have not yet been identified. However, certain genes, smoking, and severe obesity are considered risk factors. If there is a pancreatic cancer patient among immediate family members, the likelihood of developing the disease is higher than average. Additionally, pancreatic cancer progresses very rapidly after initial onset, with a five-year survival rate of less than 5%. Therefore, early detection through regular check-ups is crucial.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.