Unintentional weight loss is one of the symptoms that deserves particular attention.
If you are losing weight without deliberately changing your diet or exercise routine, don’t simply assume that it is a positive development.
Many conditions can cause unexplained weight loss, including digestive disorders, thyroid problems, infections, psychological conditions and other diseases.
Cancer is one possible cause, but it is far from the only one.
The important point is that unexplained weight loss should be evaluated rather than ignored.
The NCI specifically lists weight loss for no known reason among symptoms that may occur as stomach cancer progresses.
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Institut National du Cancer
5. Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
Stomach cancer can cause pain or discomfort in the stomach area.
Some people describe it as a dull ache, pressure, burning sensation or persistent discomfort.
Again, abdominal pain is extremely common.
Ulcers, gastritis, reflux, gallbladder problems, food intolerances and many other conditions can cause similar sensations.
What matters is the pattern.
Pain that is new, persistent, worsening or associated with other symptoms deserves medical attention.
Don’t try to diagnose the cause yourself based solely on where the pain occurs.
6. Nausea or vomiting
Feeling sick can occur with many ordinary illnesses.
However, persistent nausea or vomiting should not be ignored.
The NCI lists mild nausea among possible early symptoms and vomiting among symptoms that can occur with more advanced stomach cancer.
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Institut National du Cancer
If vomiting persists, prevents you from keeping fluids down or occurs with severe abdominal pain, bleeding or other concerning symptoms, prompt medical assessment is important.
7. Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty swallowing, medically known as dysphagia, is another symptom that should be evaluated.
It may occur when a tumor is located near the upper part of the stomach or where the stomach meets the esophagus.
But there are many other causes of swallowing difficulties, including reflux-related problems and disorders of the esophagus.
The NHS specifically recommends medical evaluation for problems with swallowing.
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nhs.uk
This is not a symptom to simply live with indefinitely.
8. Blood in the stool or black stools
Bleeding in the digestive tract can sometimes cause blood to appear in the stool.
Blood may be obvious, but bleeding higher in the digestive system can also make stools appear unusually dark or black.
The NCI lists blood in the stool among symptoms that can occur with advanced stomach cancer.
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Institut National du Cancer
However, gastrointestinal bleeding can have many causes, including ulcers and other conditions.
If you notice blood in your stool or unusually black stools, seek medical advice rather than assuming the cause.
9. Unusual tiredness
Feeling exhausted all the time can have countless causes.
Poor sleep, stress, anemia, infections, nutritional deficiencies and many chronic conditions can contribute to fatigue.
With stomach cancer, bleeding can sometimes contribute to anemia, which may cause tiredness or weakness. The NCI notes that doctors may use blood tests to check for anemia when investigating possible stomach cancer.
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Institut National du Cancer
Persistent unexplained fatigue is therefore another reason to have your health evaluated, particularly when it appears alongside digestive symptoms or weight loss.
Who is at greater risk?
Anyone can develop stomach cancer, but certain factors increase the risk.
One of the most important is infection with Helicobacter pylori, commonly called H. pylori.
Long-term H. pylori infection can cause chronic inflammation of the stomach lining and is a major risk factor for certain types of stomach cancer. Treating an H. pylori infection can reduce the risk of these cancers.
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Institut National du Cancer
Other risk factors include increasing age, smoking, obesity, certain chronic stomach conditions, family history and particular inherited cancer syndromes.
Diet may also play a role. Diets high in salted, smoked or poorly preserved foods have been associated with increased risk, while lower consumption of fruits and vegetables is also identified as a risk factor.
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