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Pancreatic cancer is the fifth biggest cause of cancer deaths and can lead to a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (or DVT, which is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs or pelvis, causing pain, swelling, and redness. According to the American Cancer Society, sometimes, the first clue that someone has pancreatic cancer is a blood clot in a large vein, often in the leg. Signs of pancreatic cancer in your legs The four main signs of DVT are:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth in the affected limb

Doctors say sometimes a piece of the clot breaks off and travels to your lungs, which makes it hard to breathe or causes chest pain. And when the blood clot travels to other body parts - including the lungs, it becomes a pulmonary embolism - a serious emergency that needs immediate treatment. Doctors say those with pancreatic cancer have a higher risk of a blood clot forming in a vein. What are the factors that cause the clot? Experts say various factors play a role in this heightened risk, which include this cancer and its treatments, like chemotherapy or surgical procedures done to remove the tumour. In many patients, decreased mobility after surgery can also heighten the likelihood of blood clots. Apart from cancer, a few other risk factors for clots include:

• A genetic condition that makes blood clots more likely
• Hormone replacement therapy or a contraceptive pill with estrogen
• Varicose veins
• If you have had a blood clot before, there is a likelihood of having another one
• You are over 60 years of age.
• You are obese or overweight
• You are a smoker

What is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in your pancreas begin to mutate and go out of control after multiplying - forming a tumour. Your pancreas is a gland in your abdomen that lies between your spine and stomach. It makes hormones that control blood-sugar levels and enzymes that aid in digestion. Most pancreatic cancers start in the ducts of your pancreas. Doctors say early-stage pancreatic tumours do not show up on imaging tests. And due to that, many people do not receive a diagnosis till the cancer has spread or metastasized. Pancreatic cancer is also resistant to many common cancer drugs, making it notoriously difficult to treat. Other signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer While there are not many early signs of pancreatic cancer that you can easily identify, doctors say a few typically emerge once the tumour starts impacting other organs in your digestive system, which include:

• Jaundice
• Dark urine
• Light-coloured stool
• Upper abdominal pain
• Middle back pain
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Itchy skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Gas or bloating
• Blood clots
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• New-onset diabetes