Jerry Springer has died at age 79 just a few months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - known as the 'silent killer'.
One of the most deadly forms of cancer, the legendary talk show host was suffering from the disease before passing away 'peacefully' at home, his devastated family confirmed.
It's not clear exactly when Springer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but the statement explained that he suffered a "brief illness."
Pancreatic cancer has been dubbed a 'silent killer' due to how easy it is to overlook the symptoms. Responsible for 5.2 per cent of all UK cancer deaths, it has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers, according to Cancer Research UK.
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Unfortunately, it can be pretty hard to spot and symptoms can often be overlooked - especially those less known - with some signs assumed to be other, less serious illnesses.
From a fever and shivering to simply feeling unwell or just not feeling quite right, there are a number of signs of pancreatic cancer than many are unaware of.
According to the NHS, symptoms can include:
- Losing your appetite
- Change to your bowel habits
- Jaundice - the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow
- Recently diagnosed diabetes
- Digestive issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood clots
- Fatigue
Itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual
Feeling tired or having no energy
A high temperature, or feeling hot or shivery
Signs may also include the sensation that you are unable to swallow your food properly. This "can be because pancreatic cancer can make you feel full quickly when you are eating".
More commonly, the growing tumour may lead to tummy or back pain, which may feel worse when you're eating or lying down and better when you lean forward.
Weight loss, and indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation, or other changes in your poo are also signs. Meanwhile, symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling bloated, can are also symptoms.
Pancreatic UK states: "Your GP may make a request (refer you) for tests at hospital to work out what is causing your symptoms."
According to the NHS, you should see a GP if you have:
- lost a noticeable amount of weight over the last 6 to 12 months without trying
- other symptoms of pancreatic cancer that get worse or do not get better after 2 weeks
- a condition that causes symptoms with your digestion that are not getting better after 2 weeks of using your usual treatments
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