Warning signs of stomach cancer may include loss of appetite, feeling nauseous, and lack of energy. And MailOnline revealed the main warning signs of stomach cancer.
stomach upset
Indigestion usually goes away on its own.
But if you find it lasts a long time, it could be a sign of cancer, experts say.
Indigestion is often caused by stomach acid irritating the lining of the stomach or throat—this is called GERD.
It is common and not usually caused by cancer, as certain foods and drinks, stress, or medications often act as triggers.
But it can also be a sign that the cancer has spread to the tissues lining the abdomen, which can cause fluid to build up, according to Cancer Research UK.
The National Health Service recommends seeing a doctor if you have heartburn most days for three weeks or longer.
energy loss
Constant fatigue and shortness of breath can be harbingers of stomach cancer.
This is because fatigue can be linked to low red blood cell levels, according to a cancer study.
Both early and advanced stomach cancer can bleed into the stomach, which reduces the number of red blood cells in the blood over time.
This can make patients tired, weak, and short of breath because their blood carries less oxygen. It can also lead to blood in the stool, which may appear darker and almost black.
According to the NHS, a lack of red blood cells can lead to pale skin and a rapid heartbeat.
Weight loss
Losing weight while doing nothing is a common sign of cancer.
For stomach cancer, this can be due to several causes, including loss of appetite and feeling full after eating a small amount of food, according to Cancer Research.
It may be due to swelling in or around parts of the digestive system, according to the American Cancer Society.
Or it could be caused by cachexia — changes in how the body uses proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, leading to fat and muscle loss due to serious illness.
Doctors believe that in cancer patients, cachexia is caused by chemicals released by tumors.
But unintentional weight loss is a common symptom of many different types of cancer.
This can happen in the later stages of other diseases, such as heart and kidney disease, and HIV.
Difficulty swallowing
Stomach cancer can cause difficulty swallowing.
Swelling in or around the stomach can cause pain and burning when swallowing.
It can also cause your food to stick to your throat or chest, according to Cancer Research UK.
Difficulty swallowing can also lead to weight loss simply because you can’t eat enough food.
While these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, such as GERD, experts urge people who have difficulty swallowing to see a doctor.
I feel bad
Nausea can be caused by many diseases, but it is also a warning sign of stomach cancer.
Cancer research says that cancer can cause a blockage in the stomach, making it difficult to eat.
This blockage prevents food from passing through the digestive system, which can make you feel nauseous.
The cancer charity says that while blood is rarely found in vomit, if it is red, it could be a sign of new bleeding.
But if it’s dark brown, “like used coffee grounds,” it could mean the blood has been in the stomach for a while, experts say.
Lump in upper abdomen
The NHS warns that swelling or pain in the upper abdomen is a sign of stomach cancer.
This pain or mass may be a sign that the cancer has spread to the tissues lining the abdomen.
A buildup of fluid in the lining of the abdomen, called ascites, can cause a feeling of bloating.
Swelling can cause discomfort when sitting, moving, and eating, which can lead to loss of appetite.
Source: Daily Mail
