A Comprehensive Guide to Stomach Cancer Symptoms: Unravelling the Signs

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a major health concern that affects a large number of people across the globe. This condition, which primarily targets the lining of the stomach, can be hard to detect in its early stages due to its generic symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, loss of weight and premature fullness.

Early detection plays a pivotal role in treating stomach cancer effectively. The aim of this blog is to enlighten readers about the various symptoms related to stomach cancer and the importance of keeping an eye on such symptoms for early detection.

Understanding Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is a disease that begins in the cells lining the stomach. Let's delve into the details of stomach cancer, including its definition, types, risk factors and prevalence statistics.

Definition and Types of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer starts out in the mucosal layer of the stomach, slowly spreading to the outer layers as it progresses. There are several distinct types of stomach cancer which include adenocarcinoma—accounting for most cases—and stromal tumours that originate in supportive connective tissue. The categorisation of these types is pivotal in deciding potential treatment strategies and predicting prognosis.

Risk Factors for Developing Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer may be prompted by a multitude of risk factors which include infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, high intake of salted and smoked foodstuff, smoking, obesity, family history of stomach cancer, and certain genetic conditions. Recognising these risk factors is key to preventing and early detection of stomach cancer.

Prevalence of Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer poses a significant health risk worldwide. In America alone, it's estimated that about 26,890 new cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, resulting in approximately 10,880 fatalities from this disease. The average age at diagnosis is 68 years old, with men having higher lifetime risk than women. On a global scale, stomach cancer ranks as the fifth most diagnosed cancer and fourth leading cause for cancer-related deaths.

Stomach cancer is a significant health concern in India with varying prevalence across regions. The North-Eastern state of Mizoram has the country's highest incidence rates. On a broader scale, it ranks as the fifth and seventh most common cancer among Indian males and females respectively.

Common Stomach Cancer Symptoms

Early warning signs

In the early stages, stomach cancer can be difficult to detect as the initial symptoms may be mistaken for common digestive ailments. However, keeping an eye out for certain persistent signs can help in early identification and treatment.

Here are some of the most common early warning signs of stomach cancer:

• Persistent indigestion and heartburn: One of the most commonly observed stomach cancer symptoms is a continuous feeling of indigestion or heartburn. If a person has been experiencing a burning sensation in his/her chest or an upset stomach for quite some time, it is advised they consult the family doctor. Though these symptoms are also common in conditions like gastritis, if they persist for long, it may point towards something more serious.
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying is often a cause for concern and could indicate stomach cancer. This might happen because the cancerous cells consume a significant portion of the body's energy supply, or because they release substances that alter the body's metabolism.
• Abdominal pain and discomfort: Persistent pain or discomfort in the abdominal area can also be a sign of stomach cancer. This could range from a dull ache to a sharp stab and may get worse after one eats.

Advanced symptoms

While the condition can be asymptomatic in its early stages, certain advanced symptoms could indicate the presence of stomach cancer. It is essential to understand these symptoms so that one can seek medical help at the earliest if he/she experiences any of them.

Here are some advanced stomach cancer symptoms

• Blood in stool or vomit: The presence of blood in the stool or vomit could be a symptom of stomach cancer. It might not always look red; sometimes, it may appear black and tar-like. This occurs due to bleeding in the stomach, which gets mixed up with the digestive fluids.
• Difficulty swallowing: If an individual is struggling to swallow food or experiencing discomfort when swallowing, it might be a sign of an advanced stage of stomach cancer. This is also known as dysphagia, where a tumour in the stomach or esophagus makes it hard to swallow.
• Fatigue and weakness: Stomach cancer can make a person feel fatigued and weak without any apparent reason. If he/she is constantly feeling tired despite having sufficient rest, it could be due to this disease.

Less Recognised Stomach Cancer Symptoms

Stomach cancer, often overlooked due to its common symptoms, can be debilitating if not detected early. Hence, it is essential to understand the less recognised signs indicating stomach cancer. This blog post will delve into three such symptoms - nausea and vomiting, changes in bowel habits and anaemia.

• Nausea and vomiting: While these are common symptoms associated with various health issues, persistent nausea and regular instances of vomiting may hint towards something more serious like stomach cancer.
• The individual may frequently feel sick or queasy.
• The individual might experience bouts of vomiting without any apparent cause.
• If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is advised he/she see the doctor.
• Changes in bowel habits: A sudden change in bowel habits can be another indicator of stomach cancer.
• The person might notice a shift in the consistency of his/her stools i.e., they could become unusually hard or loose.
• There could be blood in the stool, a warning sign that should never be ignored.
• The individual might go to the toilet more often than usual or feel discomfort during bowel movements.
• Anaemia and its connection to stomach cancer: Anaemia is essentially a deficiency in red blood cells or haemoglobin (Hb), which can be linked to stomach cancer.
• One symptom to watch out for is pallor or unusually pale skin.
• Tiredness and lethargy without any specific reason could indicate anaemia.
• Shortness of breath on doing simple tasks which the individual previously found easy may also suggest anaemia linked to stomach cancer.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Importance of Recognising Symptoms Promptly

Whilst stomach cancer symptoms may not be apparent in the early stages, they do become more noticeable as the condition progresses. Therefore, recognising these signs and seeking medical attention promptly is crucial. Here are a few reasons why:

• Early detection: Stomach cancer detected at an early stage can often be treated successfully.
• Improved chances of survival: The sooner one starts treatment, the better his/her chances of recovery.
• Prevention of further complications: If left untreated, stomach cancer can lead to life-threatening complications.

Guidelines for Self-Assessment

While it's important not to self-diagnose or ignore professional medical advice, being aware of these common stomach cancer symptoms could prompt a person to seek help sooner:

• Persistent indigestion or heartburn
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Persistent bloating after eating
• Blood in the stools or black stools
• Persistent and unexplained tiredness
• Sudden and constant stomach pain

If an individual experiences any of these symptoms consistently for two weeks or more, it's time to consult a doctor.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional for a Proper Diagnosis

If a person recognises any of these stomach cancer symptoms, he/she should not hesitate to speak with the family physician or visit the nearest OPD (out-patient department).

They will help guide the individual through the next steps which may include:

• A thorough physical examination
• A detailed discussion about personal and family health history
• Ordering diagnostic tests such as blood tests, endoscopy or imaging tests like a CT scan
• Referring the person to a specialist if necessary

Summing up, early detection is key when it comes to stomach cancer. Be aware of risk factors such as diet and H. pylori infection and don't ignore stomach cancer symptoms. Regular screenings can lead to early intervention. Advancements in stomach cancer research are promising, with new treatments being developed that use various combinations of chemotherapy drugs.

Despite the challenges, there is hope on the horizon. The constant progress made in the field of stomach cancer research promises a future with better survival rates and improved quality of life for patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is stomach cancer diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose stomach cancer using several techniques, including endoscopy, biopsy and various imaging procedures like CT scan and PET scan.

2. Are there different types of stomach cancer?

Yes, there are multiple types of stomach cancer; the most common one is adenocarcinoma. Other types include lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and carcinoid tumours.

3. What causes stomach cancer?

While the exact cause of stomach cancer isn't completely understood, certain risk factors like smoking, chronic gastritis and specific bacterial infections can contribute to its development.

4. Is stomach cancer hereditary?

Whilst most cases of stomach cancer are sporadic and not inherited, a small percentage can be linked to genetic predispositions. They are known as hereditary breast cancer.

5. What role does diet play in stomach cancer risk?

Consuming a diet high in smoked or salty foods can increase one's risk of developing stomach cancer. On the contrary, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables might help reduce the risk.

6. Can infections increase the risk of stomach cancer?

Yes, infections caused by bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori can lead to inflammation and pre-cancerous changes in the stomach lining, increasing the risk of developing stomach cancer.

7. How does smoking relate to stomach cancer?

Smoking damages cells in the body and can lead to various cancers including stomach cancer.

8. What are the treatment options for stomach cancer?

Treatment for stomach cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted drug therapy depending on the stage of the disease.

9. How does stomach cancer affect digestion?

Stomach cancer symptoms often include difficulty in swallowing, vomiting after meals and rapid weight loss due to poor digestion.

10. What are the survival rates for stomach cancer?

The survival rates vary greatly depending on the stage of cancer at diagnosis and the individual's overall health.

11. Can stomach cancer be prevented?

While there's no sure way to prevent stomach cancer, reducing known risk factors like smoking and unhealthy diet can help lower one's chances.

12. Are there screenings available for early detection of stomach cancer?

Yes, endoscopy and other imaging tests are used for early detection of stomach cancer in individuals with high risk.