Stomach cancer may not reveal symptoms in its early stages, and even common signs like stomach pain and weight loss often appear only in more advanced stages.
Symptoms can include:
- Bloating after meals
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and throwing up
- Persistent weakness
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Throwing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss
Several factors can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer, but awareness and lifestyle changes can add up to reducing those risks.
Avoid:
- Being overweight
- Heavy drinking (alcohol can irritate and damage the stomach)
- Processed and smoked foods (these contain preservatives that may increase cancer risk)
- Salty foods (too much salt can harm your stomach lining over time)
- Smoking (using tobacco doubles your risk)
Risk factors may include:
- A history of tobacco and alcohol abuse
- A history of stomach polyps
- A history of stomach surgery
- Exposure to environmental dust and fumes
- Megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency
- Menetrier's disease
- Untreated H. pylori infections
The risk rises significantly after age 45, with most cases occurring after age 60. Also, people with blood type A or a family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may also be at risk of developing the disease.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or may be at risk, contact your primary care doctor.