7 early signs of stomach cancer that often go unnoticed

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, begins with subtle signs and symptoms that often go unnoticed or mistaken for common problems related to digestion. This is also one of the reasons why stomach cancer often goes undetected for a long time, until it is too late. However, if detected early it can be treated and so, it's important to pay attention to the little warning signs. Here we list some early signs of stomach cancer that often go unnoticed but shouldn’t be ignored, especially if they are persistent:

Frequently dealing with indigestion or heartburn that doesn’t go away even with medication can be a subtle sign of stomach cancer. While these symptoms are common and often harmless, chronic discomfort may indicate towards a more serious health issue. If you persistently suffer from indigestion and feel bloated even after eating small quantities of food, then it can be early warning signs of stomach cancer. If these issues continue for a long time, then do consult a doctor for further evaluation.

Have you noticed that over time, you have lost your appetite and now you feel full quickly after eating very little food? This could be an early sign of stomach cancer. Feeling full after having just a few bites is a symptom that may point to a tumour affecting stomach function. Over time, eating too little can cause unintentional weight loss and even nutritional deficiencies. While many other digestive issues can also lead to this, if your low appetite continues for weeks, then you should take it seriously and consult a doctor soon.

Losing weight without trying or any particular reason is a major red flag regarding one's health, and it shouldn't be taken lightly. In case of stomach cancer, it may be due to a loss of appetite, low nutrient absorption in the body, or an increased metabolic rate due to the tumour. Sudden and unexplained weight loss is also a classic sign of many different types of cancers, and so, it shouldn't be taken lightly.

A 2019 study titled 'Predicting unintentional weight Loss in patients with gastrointestinal cancer' concluded that "Weight loss in patients with GI cancers has implications for survival. Patients with upper GI cancers experienced more weight loss and decreased survival rates compared with patients with lower GI cancers. Patients with a combination of upper GI cancer (oesophagogastric or pancreatic) and low baseline BMI had the fewest survival days and worst patient outcomes. Early intervention for weight management plays a critical role for improving the health outcomes and fatality rates of these patients."

Feeling nauseous or vomiting occasionally is common and it can happen due to various reasons like heatstroke, heartburn, food poisoning, etc. But if it is persistent —especially if accompanied by blood— then it could be an early sign of stomach cancer, and it shouldn't be ignored. This may occur due to obstruction or irritation of the stomach lining by the tumour. If you notice blood while vomiting or coffee-ground-like material, then it should be treated as an emergency.

Mild and persistent abdominal pain, especially if it felt in the upper abdomen, can be an early symptom of stomach cancer. This discomfort might not be sharp, but a nagging ache that doesn’t go away over time. Many people often dismiss this subtle cue as gas or ulcers but if the pain persists or worsens over time, then one should consult a doctor and get themselves tested.

Another subtle sign of stomach cancer is if you often get dark, sticky stools. This can be an indication of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. In the case of stomach cancer, internal bleeding may occur if the tumour irritates or erodes the stomach lining and so it shouldn't be taken lightly.

A classic sign of stomach cancer is a loss of appetite for no clear reason. Over time, it could lead to significant weight loss. Cancer-related appetite loss often occurs because the tumour affects how the stomach processes food. If this is seen along with other early signs, then do consider it as a serious health issue and consult your doctor immediately.

Identifying these signs is the key to early treatment

Do not ignore these symptoms

Focus on a well-balanced and nutritious diet to reduce the risk of cancer

Meditation is highly important for overall well-being, offering a wealth of benefits for both mental and physical health. By training attention and awareness, it can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a sense of calm, peace, and balance. Regular practice has been shown to improve emotional regulation, enhance self-awareness, lengthen attention span, and even contribute to better sleep and lower blood pressure.

Stomach cancer is treated based on its stage and the patient’s overall health. Early-stage cases may be cured with surgery to remove part or all of the stomach. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used before or after surgery to destroy cancer cells. In advanced cases, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be used. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. Hence, it is important to detect the early signs.

Take care of your stomach to keep cancer at bay