What are the Signs & Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
Learn more about the role of your stomach and learn more about the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer that you should be aware of.
The stomach is part of the body’s digestive system, located in the upper abdomen.
It acts as a temporary storage area for food before being mixed and broken down and passed through the rest of the upper gastrointestinal system.
Stomach cancer – sometimes also referred to as gastric cancer – occurs when abnormal cells in the stomach grow out of control. This may also occur in the junction where the stomach meets the oesophagus.
Unlike other cancers, there is no early detection test for stomach cancer.
The symptoms are often vague and can be similar to other medical conditions – so it’s important for you to see your GP for a review if you experience symptoms that are unusual for you or persistent.
The symptoms you should be looking out for are:
🔎 Ongoing abdominal pain, discomfort or a burning sensation in the stomach
🔎 Indigestion, reflux or heartburn
🔎 Loss of appetite
🔎 Excessive fatigue or weakness
🔎 Nausea and vomiting
🔎 Unexplained weight loss
🔎 Low iron levels
🔎 Black stools
🔎 Blood in vomit
Along with lifestyle factors such as your age, smoking, diet and being overweight, there are other factors that may increase your risk of developing stomach cancer.
These include:
🩺 Chronic stomach conditions, such as chronic gastritis, gastric polyps
🩺 Bacterial infections like helicobacter pylori
🩺 A family history of stomach cancer
It is important to see your GP if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if it is unusual for you or persistent.
An earlier diagnosis can make a difference to your treatment options.
Don’t ignore the warning signs.
For more information visit pancare.org.au
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