OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Pancreatic Cancer in a Young Man

Greetings, everyone. I typically observe from the sidelines here as I struggle with significant health anxiety. This issue has plagued me for as long as I can remember, though it hasn't always revolved around health. I realize this might be driven by my anxiety, but I'm reaching out in hopes of getting some insights, even if it feels a little embarrassing to share. My troubles began about three years ago. In 2022, I was quite overweight, tipping the scales at 310 pounds while standing 6'2". My diet was poor, consisting mainly of fast food, which I consumed frequently, sometimes two to three times a day. Subsequently, I began experiencing sudden shortness of breath, where it felt like I couldn't quite inhale fully. At the time, I shrugged it off due to my careless attitude. Fast forward to 2023, after indulging in an excessive meal of ribs, I felt significant pressure in my upper abdomen, which was quite unsettling. Concerned about the shortness of breath alongside this discomfort, I consulted a telehealth service. They suggested this could indicate a heart issue and advised me to visit the emergency room. At the ER, I underwent an EKG, which confirmed that my heart health was normal. Instead, they diagnosed me with GERD, which made sense since I occasionally experienced heartburn, though I never paid much attention. They prescribed me Omeprazole and sulfurcote for a month. By March 2023, during a follow-up appointment with my primary care physician, she inquired whether any blood work had been conducted, noting the ER hadn’t done so. She ordered a complete blood count and metabolic panel. Anxiety welled up as I awaited the results, but she reassured me that if anything seemed off, we'd investigate further. When the results came in, I discovered that everything appeared normal, except my triglycerides and platelet count, the latter being at 471. The doctor informed me of my obesity and stressed the need for weight loss. However, it was this elevated platelet count that plunged me into an intense fear of pancreatic cancer. She noted my platelet count was concerning and suggested retesting. While everything else checked out, the elevated platelet levels gnawed at me. As I began to research, I stumbled upon information linking high platelet counts to cancer, and it sent my anxiety spiraling—pancreatic cancer, in particular, caught my attention. After discontinuing my medication for a week, I started to feel pain beneath both my right and left ribs and noticed I was burping frequently. This led me to believe the worst: cancer. At my next appointment, I explained my symptoms, but they attributed them to my recent cessation of medication. I asked if pancreatic cancer was a possibility, and although they assured me it wasn’t, my mind still raced. Another CBC test showed my platelet count still at 470, and they scheduled a follow-up for the next month. Yet, the discomfort persisted, and I felt dismissed when I expressed my concerns. I opted not to resume the GERD medication, as I wasn’t experiencing heartburn anymore. I managed to lose weight, dropping to 264 pounds from 310 by avoiding fast food and entirely cutting out soda. While the weight loss should have been encouraging, it also alarmed me. Reflecting on my previous eating habits, it struck me how unhealthy my choices had been. This brought me to a subsequent blood test that showed my platelets had risen to 475. My doctor referred me to a hematologist about two months later, and my weight had fallen to 259 by that point. Despite still experiencing pain, medical professionals insisted my symptoms weren’t concerning and hadn’t recommended any imaging of my pancreas or stomach. During my visit with the hematologist, I recounted everything, but again, they expressed no concern regarding pancreatic cancer, instead focusing on the possibility of blood cancer, which only escalated my anxiety. If my tests indicated high levels, they would conduct an ultrasound of my liver and spleen. They performed numerous blood tests, and while my C-reactive protein levels appeared normal, my ESR was slightly elevated—but still nothing alarming. Miraculously, my platelet count dropped to 421 without much explanation. The hematologist decided an ultrasound was unnecessary and advised me to follow up with my primary care provider. The pain had lessened by this point; what I experienced was more like minor flare-ups when my diet slipped. In conclusion, I find myself still obsessively checking the color of my stool, concerned when it appears lighter. Although flare-ups have become much less frequent, my weight remains a constant focus, currently at 244 pounds. My intense fear of pancreatic cancer continues to haunt me despite what I’ve learned and the reassurance I've received from my healthcare providers, who attribute it to anxiety. Nonetheless, the variations in my stool, my weight loss, and persistent pain trigger anxiety attacks that are hard to manage. While I understand that pancreatic cancer is quite rare at my age, I struggle to shake this fear no matter what efforts I make. I'm here looking for understanding and possibly insights that can offer me clarity beyond what my current situation provides. Notably, I lack any family history of cancer, abstain from drinking alcohol, and have never smoked, leaving me with minimal risk factors aside from my previous obesity.

Answers (1)

7/20/2025, 9:02:02 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially with the concerns you've outlined regarding your symptoms and family history. While pancreatic cancer is understandably a worry for you, it’s important to remember that multiple factors contribute to health, and many of your recent changes and tests suggest moving in a healthier direction.

Key Points:

1. Elevated Platelet Counts: Your healthcare providers have reassured you about the absence of concerning signs for pancreatic cancer. Elevated platelets can be linked to various conditions, not just cancer.
2. Symptom Monitoring: The pain you experienced and variations in stool can often relate to dietary habits and gastrointestinal health, especially after initial diagnoses like GERD.
3. Ongoing Anxiety: It’s clear that managing health anxiety is a critical component of your journey.

Explanation:

• Platelet Count: Elevated plates can happen due to obesity or inflammation, and while it’s good to follow up, there's no direct connection to pancreatic cancer for someone your age with your profile.
• Symptoms: Your symptoms of abdominal pain and changes in stool color often relate more to dietary factors, like GERD or digestive issues, and not necessarily cancer. The weight loss is a positive sign and indicates improvements in health habits, which can alleviate some symptoms.

Next Steps:

1. Continue Weight Management: Focus on maintaining your current weight and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This will support your overall health and help manage potential gastrointestinal issues.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of any recurring symptoms such as pain or changes in stool. This can help both you and your doctor see patterns. If symptoms become severe or persistent, reach out to your healthcare provider.

3. Follow-Up with Healthcare Provider: Stay on track with your follow-ups and discuss your concerns openly. Request any specific tests or imaging if warranted based on your symptoms, but trust their guidance regarding the risks related to conditions like cancer.

4. Focus on Stress Management: Since anxiety is playing such a significant role in your life, consider engaging in relaxation techniques: mindfulness, yoga, or talking with a mental health professional. This could help alleviate some of the health fears you're experiencing.

5. Educate Yourself: Continue to research, but rely on reputable sources to ease anxiety rather than escalate it. Understanding your health can empower you to make informed decisions without unnecessary fear.

Your journey demonstrates that significant lifestyle changes are effective, and you're actively working on your health. Remember, consistent communication with your healthcare provider is key, and ensure you find reassurance through their guidance. Let me know if you need more information or support in any specific area.