Your pancreas quietly plays a vital role in your health—helping you digest food and regulate blood sugar. But when something’s wrong, it can send subtle signals. Ignoring these signs may lead to serious conditions like pancreatitis, diabetes, or even pancreatic cancer.

Here are five key symptoms that could mean your pancreas needs medical attention:

1. Yellowing of the Eyes or Skin (Jaundice)

One of the most noticeable signs of pancreatic trouble is jaundice. If a tumor or inflammation blocks the bile duct, a yellow pigment called bilirubin can build up in the body—turning the whites of your eyes or your skin yellow. You might also notice darker urine and lighter-colored stools. Jaundice can be an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer or a blocked bile duct, so it’s important to see a doctor immediately if you spot it.

2. Pain in the Upper Abdomen That Spreads to the Back

Persistent pain in the upper belly that radiates to the back—especially after eating—is often linked to pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. This pain might feel worse after eating fatty meals, and some people find relief by leaning forward. Left untreated, chronic pancreatitis can damage the pancreas and affect how well it works.