Cancer is a serious health risk, and its early detection is crucial. Stomach cancer is one of them and unfortunately, its symptoms are so subtle that many people may mistake them for common digestive issues.
Before stomach cancer gets worse, it is important to identify its warning signs, causes, and available treatment options that we have discussed in this blog.
Signs of Stomach Cancer
Figuring out stomach cancer symptoms can help save lives. If you notice these symptoms, rush to a doctor:
1. Constant Indigestion and Bloating
We all experience indigestion sometimes, but if it becomes frequent and doesn’t go away with antacids, it could be one of the early symptoms of stomach cancer. Constant bloating or feeling full even after eating small amounts may indicate something more serious than overeating or gastric issues.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you lose weight suddenly and unintentionally, it is often the first sign of stomach cancer. Weight loss without changing your diet or exercise routine might be due to changes in your metabolism or appetite caused by substances released by a growing tumour.
3. Nausea and Vomiting (Sometimes with Blood)
Occasional nausea can happen for many reasons but if you notice it persistently or see blood in your vomit, it is time to see a doctor. These could signal internal bleeding or irritation due to stomach cancer causes such as ulcers turning malignant or tissue growth in the stomach lining.
4. Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
You may easily ignore mild pain in the upper abdomen, especially if it comes and goes. However, when this discomfort becomes constant, it might point toward a stomach cancer lump pressing on nearby organs or nerves.
5. Changes in Bowel Habits
Though most people link bowel changes with colon cancer, bowel cancer stomach noises and irregular bowel movements can also occur in stomach cancer cases. Excessive rumbling, constipation, or even dark-coloured stools may indicate internal bleeding or digestive obstruction.
6. Fatigue and Weakness
When your body fights cancer, it diverts energy to repair cells and combat disease. This may leave you feeling unusually tired. If chronic fatigue doesn’t improve with rest, it might signal internal blood loss or poor nutrient absorption due to cancer growth.
7. Loss of Appetite and Difficulty Swallowing
If food suddenly stops appealing to you or you feel discomfort while swallowing, you shouldn’t overlook it. These symptoms of stomach cancer may result from tumours narrowing the stomach outlet or oesophagus. It affects how you eat and digest food.
What Causes Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer causes can vary, but several risk factors increase the chances, which are listed below:
- Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria,
- Long-term inflammation
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
- Diets high in smoked or salty foods
- Genetics and previous stomach surgeries
Sometimes, people wonder ‘Can stomach ulcers cause cancer?’ While most ulcers don’t lead to cancer, untreated H. pylori infections can cause chronic inflammation, which may eventually turn into stomach cancer. So, managing ulcers early is important for their prevention.
Types of Stomach Cancer
There are several types of stomach cancer, but the most common is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glandular cells lining the stomach.
Other less common forms include lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), and carcinoid tumours. Identifying the specific type helps doctors decide the best stomach cancer treatment plan.
Is Stomach Cancer Curable?
Many people ask, is stomach cancer curable? The answer depends on how early it is diagnosed. When caught at Stage 1, doctors may go with surgery combined with targeted therapy, as there are high survival chances in this.
However, late detection can make treatment more challenging because the disease may have spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes.
Available Treatments
When stomach cancer signs are detected early, doctors diagnose your condition, and depending on that, they go with different treatment options.
Stomach cancer treatment typically includes:
- A combination of surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy.
Early-stage cancers can often be treated successfully through minimally invasive surgery, while advanced stages may require a combination of therapies for better results.
Wrapping Up
Figuring out the stomach cancer signs can be tricky, as its symptoms resemble common digestive problems. The right way to do it is to listen to your body, note unusual changes, and get regular check-ups.
Early detection can mean the difference between a full recovery and a lot of challenges ahead. If any of the symptoms mentioned above persist for more than a few weeks, consult a gastroenterologist immediately for timely treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Stomach Cancer Symptoms
What are the first warning signs of stomach cancer?
Persistent indigestion, bloating, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue are often the first stomach cancer symptoms people miss.
How to check for stomach cancer at home?
There is no reliable home test. If you have lasting digestive discomfort or notice alarming signs, you should see a doctor at the earliest.
Does stomach cancer spread quickly?
It depends on the type and stage. Some types of stomach cancer progress slowly, while others can spread rapidly to nearby organs and lymph nodes.
What is the survival rate for stomach cancer?
The survival rate varies by stage. Early detection offers a 70-90% five-year survival rate, while advanced cases have lower chances.
What is Stage 1 stomach cancer?
It means the cancer is limited to the inner lining of the stomach and hasn’t spread. At this stage, treatment of stomach cancer is often highly successful.
