Understanding the Warning Signs of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, although less prevalent than other types of cancer, can be a serious and life-threatening condition if not detected early. Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms is essential for timely intervention and improved outcomes. Here are 15 key signs to be aware of.
Abdominal Pain
One of the most common signs of stomach cancer is experiencing unexplained discomfort or pain in the abdominal area. This pain often does not respond to over-the-counter treatments and may persist for several weeks. It is important to monitor this symptom, especially if it is accompanied by other listed symptoms.
Bloating
A feeling of fullness can often accompany stomach pain. It may occur after eating a large meal or consuming certain foods. However, if the bloating persists even after a bowel movement or a good night’s sleep, it could indicate an obstruction caused by a growing tumor.
Indigestion
Indigestion refers to a variety of issues that prevent food from digesting properly. This can result in a burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest after eating. You may also feel the need to burp or pass gas. Acid reflux is also associated with indigestion. If diet changes do not provide relief, it may be a sign that your stomach lining is inflamed.
Nausea and Vomiting
Feeling nauseous or vomiting due to illness is normal, but frequent or severe bouts of either are not. If you notice that you are often feeling “sick to your stomach” or unable to keep food down, it is advisable to consult a doctor, as this situation can quickly deteriorate your health.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying, especially if it is a significant amount over a short period, is a red flag that something is happening in your body. This symptom is often accompanied by others mentioned in this article. For example, if you are experiencing a loss of appetite, you will consume fewer calories, leading to weight loss.
Difficulty Swallowing
The sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it feel like you cannot swallow your food may be more than just nerves—it could be a sign of an issue in your abdominal area. This symptom varies depending on the individual. Some people describe difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), while others may cough or choke while eating. The key concern is that the sensation is persistent, which could indicate a tumor blocking your esophagus.
Fatigue
We all experience tiredness at some point. However, a persistent feeling of exhaustion—almost impossible to get out of bed despite getting consistent rest—is a sign that your body is working hard to heal or fight something off. This symptom may also be associated with chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heart rate.
Blood in Your Stool or Vomit
It is never normal to see blood in your stool or vomit. If you do, seek medical attention immediately. Note that blood may appear red in stool and vomit but can turn black as it passes through the body. If your stool is suddenly black or tarry or has the consistency of coffee grounds, it is a sign that the bleeding may be occurring higher up in the gastrointestinal tract.
Anemia
Anemia is your body’s way of telling you there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen throughout your body. If it becomes severe, you may start to feel extra tired, weak, or short of breath. Anemia is often a sign of stomach cancer, as it can be caused by blood loss and poor nutrition associated with the disease.
Loss of Appetite
If you usually enjoy eating seconds or thirds of your favorite meal and then notice your desire to eat has dropped, it is something to keep an eye on. A loss of appetite is tied to all the other symptoms mentioned. It is often the body’s subconscious way of signaling something is wrong with a certain organ.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Our body has a network of hundreds of lymph nodes (about 600!). Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped masses of tissue that filter substances from our bodies and help us fight off infection and disease. They swell in response to inflammation, which is often associated with cancer. Stay on the lookout for lumps and masses forming in your abdominal area.
Changes in Bowel Habits
If you normally have regular bowel movements and suddenly notice you’ve become constipated, examine your stool. The many irritations associated with stomach cancer often lead to changes in bowel habits—especially shifts in stool consistency. Significant and unexplained changes that last for more than a few days may indicate problems with your gastrointestinal tract.
Coughing or Trouble Breathing
Trouble breathing is often a late-stage stomach cancer symptom. As the tumor in the stomach grows, it can put pressure on other organs like the lungs. This results in spasms that could cause everything from shortness of breath to a persistent cough. These symptoms should never be ignored.
Persistent Back Pain
While back pain is a common ailment, persistent back pain that doesn’t improve with rest or usual treatments may be a sign of problems in your gastrointestinal system, including stomach cancer. Why? Because a tumour could be causing inflammation or pressure along the spine. Pay attention to any accompanying symptoms such as digestive issues or unexplained weight loss.
Jaundice
If stomach cancer begins to spread and impact other organs, it can lead to jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. It happens when there’s an excess amount of bilirubin circulating in the bloodstream. That excess is then absorbed into the subcutaneous layer of fat, causing a yellow appearance. Jaundice is considered an advanced stomach cancer symptom, so it should be assessed immediately.
When to Seek Medical Attention
As time is often of the essence with cancers, book an appointment with your medical practitioner as soon as you notice you’ve been suffering persistently from one of these symptoms for at least a few weeks, and especially if you’ve noticed other symptoms appearing in that time.
