Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that occurs when cancerous cells grow on the stomach lining. Unfortunately, this type of cancer does not cause any serious symptoms in its early stages. This is one of the main reasons why it’s hard to detect until it’s advanced.
Common Stomach Cancer Symptoms
During its early stages, stomach cancer may exhibit several signs and symptoms. They include;
Heartburn
Indigestion
Slight Nausea
Feeling bloated after meals
Loss of appetite
Experiencing heartburn or feeling bloated after meals doesn’t necessarily mean that you have stomach cancer. All the same, it’s important to seek medical assistance if these symptoms persist. Your doctor may perform various tests to see if you are at risk of developing the condition or not.
In its advanced stage, stomach cancer may exhibit more serious symptoms.
These advanced stomach cancer symptoms include;
Chronic stomach pain
Blood in stool
Constipation
Vomiting, particularly vomiting solid food shortly after eating
Persistent diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent heartburn
Lumpiness and swelling in your stomach, usually caused by a build-up of fluid
Trouble swallowing food
Jaundice (Yellowish discoloration of the eyes and skin)
Excessive fatigue and general body weakness
Early satiety (feeling full after eating a small amount of food)
Low blood cell count (Anemia)
Causes of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is directly associated with tumors in the stomach lining. However, certain factors (certain diseases and conditions) may increase your risk of developing the condition.
They include;
H.Pylori bacterial infections- the infection in most cases leads to gastritis and ulcers
Stomach Polyps- Usually characterized by abnormal growths of tissue on the stomach lining
Lymphoma( a group of blood cancers)
Tumors in other parts of the digestive system
Other risk factors include
Old age- older adults, especially those above 50 years are at risk of developing stomach cancer
Smoking
Genetics- Stomach cancer runs in the family
Excessive salt consumption
Excessive consumption of meat
History of alcohol abuse
Lack of exercise
Stomach cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immune therapy such as vaccines and medication.
If left untreated, the health condition may spread to the liver, bones, lymph nodes, and lungs.
You can decrease your risk of developing stomach cancer (actually, all cancers) by
Eating a healthy diet
Adding little salt to food
Quitting smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising on a regular basis
When diagnosed early enough, stomach cancer is highly treatable. Be sure to look out for these stomach cancer symptoms to be on the safe side.…
