Stomach cancer is becoming increasingly common in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, many people ignore the early symptoms, often mistaking them for minor digestive problems such as gastritis or stomach ulcers. By the time they consult a doctor, the cancer may already be at an advanced stage or have metastasized to other organs.
Recognizing the early symptoms of gastric cancer can significantly increase the chances of early diagnosis and treatment. Here are seven key symptoms that should never be ignored.
Bloating
A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the upper abdomen
Mild but persistent pain, especially after eating
This discomfort often occurs at rest or during sleep and is usually dismissed as minor indigestion or gastritis. If the pain becomes frequent or chronic, a medical consultation is necessary.
2. Frequent Heartburn or Bloating:
Persistent heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, or bloating, especially after meals, may be a symptom of more than just reflux. These symptoms may indicate an early form of gastric malignancy if they persist for weeks or worsen.
Although heartburn is common, especially among people with poor eating habits or those exposed to stress, when it becomes chronic and resistant to antacids, it should be a warning sign.
Be careful if you also notice:
A burning sensation in the chest or throat
Nausea after meals
3. Loss of appetite and feeling full
quickly Another subtle but serious symptom of stomach cancer is a sudden loss of appetite, even if you have not changed your eating habits.
YOU:
Feeling full after eating a small amount
Start avoiding meals by inadvertently
Losing all interest in foods you used to love
This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss, which is concerning when it occurs for no apparent reason.
Unusual changes in stool appearance
Black or tarred stool
Table smeared with visible blood
Unpleasant or metallic odor
These changes are often the result of internal bleeding in the stomach lining and require immediate medical attention. Don’t wait, get tested as soon as possible.
5. Sudden and unexplained weight loss. Sudden weight loss
without dieting or increased physical activity is often a warning sign of an underlying health problem, including cancer.
In the case of stomach cancer, weight loss usually occurs due to:
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Use more energy by the body to fight diseases
Note: Losing more than 5 to 10% of your weight in a few months for no apparent reason is a serious warning sign. Don’t underestimate it.
6. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness:
Stomach cancer can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, especially iron and vitamin B12, leading to anemia. As a result, many patients experience persistent:
Fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep
Vertigo
Physical weakness and inability to perform daily activities
If you notice unusual fatigue that does not go away, especially when combined with the other symptoms listed here, it is time to see a doctor.
7. Vomiting, especially with blood.
Nausea and vomiting, especially if the vomit contains blood or looks like coffee grounds (a sign of dried blood), are a serious warning sign.
This may indicate:
Internal bleeding
Tumor development in the gastric mucosa
Ulcers caused by cancer cells
Important:
Do not delay seeking medical attention if you vomit blood or experience frequent nausea for no apparent reason.
When to see a doctor:
If you experience two or more of the above symptoms for more than a few weeks, don’t wait. Early-stage gastric cancer often doesn’t cause serious symptoms, which is why early detection is so important. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the better the chances of effective treatment.
Additional risk factors for gastric cancer:
While these symptoms are important, the risk may also increase if:
History of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
Chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers
Family history of stomach cancer
Smoking or frequent alcohol consumption
A diet rich in smoked, salted, or marinated foods
If any of these symptoms affect you, be very careful and consider getting tested regularly.
Summary
Stomach cancer can go unnoticed in its early stages, but the body often sends warning signals – you just need to recognize them and react accordingly. Whether it’s persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, these symptoms should never be ignored.
Early diagnosis saves lives. If you notice any of these symptoms or feel that something is wrong with your stomach due to health problems, you should contact your doctor immediately.
