Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a sneaky and aggressive disease with early signs and symptoms mimicking less serious conditions such as acid reflux, stomach ulcer and GERD. The disease can be deadly when found in later stages so it is important to recognize the signs early on.
Early Warning Signs
- Change in appetite: Sudden loss of appetite and a sensation of feeling full, even if you have only eaten a small meal. You may find that you no longer want the foods that you used to crave or that they no longer taste appealing. This leads to unintentional weight loss.
- Stomach discomfort: Stomach cancer can cause heartburn, indigestion and nausea. Though these are all quite common, experiencing frequent irritation of the digestive system should be looked at.
- Bloating: If you find that you are frequently bloated immediately after eating, this may be a concern.
Later Symptoms
- Weight loss: Losing weight is not always a good sign, particularly if you are not trying to lose weight. Unexplained weight loss tends to point to underlying health issues.
- Blood in stool: Blood can cause the stool to appear black and have a metallic odor. This is a serious sign and should never be ignored. Though many find this symptom to be particularly embarrassing, do not be afraid to bring it up to your personal care provider.
- Vomiting: Frequent vomiting that sometimes can be accompanied by blood, is another red flag. Blood in vomit indicates an emergency and should be checked out with urgency.
- Jaundice: Jaundice is when the whites of the eyes and the skin take on a yellow hue, and it is a sign of an underperforming liver. Jaundice can also cause the urine to be darker than usual, or the stool to become clay in color.
- Fatigue: Everyone gets tired sometimes, but being exhausted for days on end is not normal when it starts to interfere with daily activities.
- Stomach pain: A pain that is right above the navel is another sign. The pain can be mild and can be confused with hunger. In other cases, it can be quite severe.
- Problems swallowing: If you cannot get food down because it constantly gets stuck in your throat or windpipe this could be a symptom of cancer. Unfortunately, it can also be caused by cancer treatments.
- Ascites: This is a condition where the tummy will swell and fill up with fluid making the midsection look quite smooth and round, like a balloon. It can also make the stomach tender to the touch.
Who is at Risk?
While the symptoms of stomach cancer are the same for women as they are for men, it is more common for men to develop this type of cancer. Stomach cancer tends to affect people over age 45 with those over age 60 at highest risk. This type of cancer is also thought to be mostly caused by environmental factors. Factors that can increase your chances of developing stomach cancer include:
- Smoking and tobacco use.
- A diet high in salty and processed foods.
- Having undergone previous stomach surgery.
- Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, which causes stomach ulcers.
- Chronic stomach inflammation.
- Being exposed to hazardous conditions while working in rubber manufacturing, mining, metal processing or the coal industry.
- Being overweight or obese.
- A family history of stomach cancer.
Prevention
Eat your fruits and veggies because it has been found that a diet high in fiber can protect against stomach cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco products and minimizing your intake of processed foods can also reduce your risk.
When to See a Doctor
If you are having early signs of stomach cancer regularly or if you have any of the more serious later symptoms, it is time to see your doctor. A doctor can perform tests and let you know if you have stomach cancer and can begin treatment.
During your visit, the doctor will ask about your medical history. They may do blood tests or send a tiny camera into your stomach so they can see inside. You must be honest with your doctor and share as many details about your symptoms as possible. Do not be afraid to ask questions.
Getting Care
Since everyone is different, the exact course of treatment will depend on the stage and location of the cancer as well as your personal tolerance to medication. If diagnosed with stomach cancer, you will work with your doctor for a personalized plan. Remember, early detection of stomach cancer is key for better treatment options and outcomes.
Read on to learn about some of the top treatment options for throat cancer.