Any type of cancer could have serious outcomes if it is not detected on time. Sometimes you could experience stomach aches and assume there could be a serious cause behind the pain. You may rest easy to know that stomach-ache is not a symptom of stomach cancer.
It is possible that you may fail to notice the early symptoms of stomach cancer. It is because they are difficult to notice during the initial stages.
Stomach cancer develops when there is an abnormal cell growth beginning in the stomach. Cancer can affect any part of your stomach. However, stomach cancer forms in the main section of your stomach. In some cases, cancer will affect the esophagus.
It is important to know this information because the area that the stomach cancer affects may play a significant role in your treatment. The treatment will include surgery to remove the infected section of the stomach. Also, there could be other treatments that your doctor may recommend before and after you get the surgery.
It remains unclear what causes or triggers stomach cancer. The only thing research has managed to come up with are factors that increase the risks.
Also, it is understood that stomach cancer begins when a cell in the stomach gets to change its DNA. When the change occurs, the cell begins to generate quickly and keep living. The cell will keep living after normal cells die. As the growth continues, the cells will proceed to affect other parts of the body.
Stomach cancer is a tricky condition as you may feel the symptoms but fail to understand the major problem. Most early symptoms include:
If you have these symptoms do not ignore them but check with your doctor. It may allow for early recognition and treatment. In most cases, people get to know about stomach cancer when it is in its advanced stages.
The following are signs to watch out for when you experience the above symptoms
You may experience reduced appetite without a significant cause and fail to pay attention. It could be because we are not accustomed to relating stomach cancer with weight loss. So, if you suddenly lose appetite and notice you keep losing weight try to visit your doctor.
Feeling tired is normal after a long day. If you feel fatigued without doing anything strenuous it could be a sign of something serious. Fatigue may come because of slow blood loss in your body. Also, when you experience unexpected weight loss, and the doctor confirms your blood is low it may signal stomach cancer. The slow blood loss could be from anemia. It is a condition in which the body experiences low red blood cells. The condition could be the cause of your fatigue.
It is not common to see blood in your vomit or stool. If it happens to you, it is possible there is a serious internal problem. In the case of stomach cancer, it could be the source of such issues. If You are losing lots of blood internally, there is a chance you are in a worse condition.
Sometimes you may feel extremely hungry then take a bite or drink something and feel completely full. You may assume it as normal but in the real sense, it is a more serious condition. However, a single symptom should not get you into panic mode.
You may experience recurring bouts of diarrhea. Also, you may experience constipation regardless of your eating habits remaining normal. If constipation or diarrhea seems out of the ordinary, it could be worth checking with a doctor.
Heartburns may be complicated. It is because heartburn could be a risk factor for cancer or a symptom of cancer (heartburn relates to epigastric pain or abdominal pains). It is also possible to develop a peptic ulcer that makes the stomach develop acids. The condition makes it risky for the body as it increases the risk to get stomach cancer.
Do not attempt to self-diagnose heartburns as you may complicate your condition. If you have been using antiacids without any effect, try to visit your doctor.
You can do the following to reduce the chances of getting stomach cancer:
You now understand how stomach cancer develops and the risks factors that increase your chances of being affected. Ensure you develop healthy eating habits and exercise more to keep your body active. Also, when you notice you have more symptoms that resemble those mentioned above, visit your doctor. Do not jump to conclusions until your doctor confirms your laboratory results.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.