Stomach cancer rarely causes specific signs and symptoms in the early stages. They may not be noticeable until the tumor reaches an advanced stage.
Many symptoms of stomach cancer are common with other noncancerous conditions, such as an infection or ulcer, which can confuse the diagnosis.
What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, occurs when abnormal cells grow in the stomach.
Anyone can develop stomach cancer, although it tends to be more common in people in their 60s or 70s.
The risk of developing stomach cancer is also higher in men than in women.
The most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma.
Credits: Mohammed Haneefa Nizamudeen/istock
Stomach cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide
Warning signs and symptoms of stomach cancer
1. Pain in the abdomen
A tumor in the stomach may cause mild discomfort or pain above the belly button. The pain may worsen or become more persistent as the tumor grows.
2. Persistent heartburn or indigestion
Although these symptoms are often associated with ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux, they can be warning signs of stomach cancer.
3. Nausea or vomiting
These are common symptoms that can be caused by a wide range of less serious conditions.
But nausea or vomiting can also be warning signs of stomach cancer.
In some cases, stomach cancer can cause vomiting containing blood. You may feel nauseous and vomit solid food soon after eating.
4. Difficulty swallowing
You may feel like food is “sticking” in your throat or going down into your stomach. You may also feel pain or a burning sensation when swallowing.
5. Feeling full after a small meal
This feeling of satiety can often occur in the upper abdomen. You may also feel bloated after eating.
6. Loss of appetite
You may not feel hungry when you would expect to be hungry or feel full even without eating. Other symptoms, such as involuntary weight loss, may accompany this warning sign.
7. Unexplained weight loss
This weight loss often occurs with other symptoms, such as a feeling of early satiety, lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting.
8. Bloating in the belly
Other non-cancerous conditions can cause belly swelling. However, in advanced stages, a stomach tumor can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen.
9. Dark stools
Dark or black stools can be caused by bleeding in the digestive tract. You may notice dark stools if you have a tumor in your stomach that is bleeding.
Tips to lower your risk of stomach cancer
- Being a man
- Being older
- Having had previous stomach surgery
- Having a non-cancerous type of growth in your stomach (polyp)
- Having Ménétrier’s disease
- Having an inherited gene mutation that increases your risk of stomach cancer
- Have a family history of stomach cancer
- Having been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
How to avoid the risk of stomach cancer
Although stomach cancer is not 100% preventable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk.
Firstly, a balanced diet plays a fundamental role in preventing gastric cancer.
Choosing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat foods can help provide the essential nutrients needed to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Reducing your consumption of processed, fatty, smoked, salted or pickled foods can also help reduce your risk.
Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight and practice physical activity regularly.
Excess weight and lack of physical activity have been linked to a higher risk of stomach cancer.
Therefore, adopting an active lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce this likelihood.
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is also important in preventing gastric cancer, as both habits have been associated with an increased risk of this disease.
Smoking, in particular, is a known risk factor for stomach cancer, so quitting smoking can have a significant impact on reducing your risk.
Additionally, it is essential to have regular medical examinations and follow appropriate screening recommendations, especially for people with known risk factors, such as a family history of gastric cancer or Helicobacter pylori infection.
These tests can help detect any early signs of stomach cancer and allow for early treatment.
