Stomach cancer often develops slowly over years, and its early symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for common digestive issues. Ignoring them can allow the cancer to progress to advanced stages, making treatment more difficult.
1. Persistent Indigestion or Heartburn
- Feeling of discomfort, burning, or fullness after meals may seem like normal acidity.
- If it lasts for weeks and does not respond to usual remedies, it can indicate abnormal changes in the stomach lining.
2. Bloating and Feeling Full Quickly
- Early satiety (feeling full after eating small amounts) can be an overlooked sign.
- Cancerous growth can reduce stomach capacity or slow digestion.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
- Losing weight without dieting or exercise may seem coincidental but can be a warning of an underlying malignancy.
- It often occurs when the stomach cannot absorb nutrients properly.
4. Nausea and Vomiting
- Frequent nausea or vomiting may occur, sometimes containing blood in advanced stages.
- These are often mistaken for infections or food poisoning.
5. Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
- Mild stomach pain may be ignored as gastritis or acidity.
- Persistent or worsening pain requires medical evaluation.
6. Loss of Appetite
- A sudden disinterest in food may indicate changes in stomach function.
- Often accompanies other subtle symptoms like nausea or bloating.
7. Blood in Stool or Vomit
- Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood is a serious sign of bleeding in the stomach.
- This symptom usually appears in more advanced cases but should never be ignored.
Why Early Detection Matters
Ignoring simple digestive issues can allow the disease to reach a stage where treatment becomes complex and survival rates drop.
Stomach cancer progresses silently; early symptoms are easy to miss.
If caught early, treatment options like surgery and targeted therapy are more effective.
