Stomach cancer is a perilous disease, ranking high in terms of mortality rates among cancers. However, if detected early, the chances of successful treatment for stomach cancer are very promising. Therefore, recognizing the early warning signs of this disease is crucial. Let’s explore the “7 signs of stomach cancer” through the following article.
7 Common Signs of Stomach Cancer
Dull abdominal pain in the epigastric region
One of the 7 signs of stomach cancer is abdominal pain, a common symptom of stomach cancer. The pain is often dull and uncomfortable in the epigastric region (upper abdomen) and may radiate around. The pain can occur at any time, regardless of meals.
Loss of appetite – 7 signs of stomach cancer
Patients with stomach cancer often experience loss of appetite, even with previously favorite foods. This leads to unintentional weight loss.
Nausea and vomiting
One of 7 signs of stomach cancer – Persistent nausea, dry heaves, or vomiting food are common signs of stomach cancer. Vomiting blood should be immediately taken to emergency care as it indicates advanced disease.
One of 7 signs of stomach cancer – Persistent nausea, dry heaves, or vomiting food are common signs of stomach cancer
Difficulty in digestion, bloating
Patients with stomach cancer often feel bloated, have difficulty digesting food even when eating small amounts. The cause is the tumor’s growth obstructing the digestion process.
Frequent heartburn, acid reflux – 7 signs of stomach cancer
Heartburn, acid reflux are common symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, including stomach cancer. This condition occurs due to the reflux of food and fluids from the stomach into the esophagus.
Unexplained weight loss
Rapid, unintentional weight loss is a notable sign of stomach cancer. If you notice continuous weight loss without a clear reason, monitor and seek medical diagnosis for accurate health assessment.
Black stools
One of 7 signs of stomach cancer – Passing black, tarry stools can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, often caused by a stomach tumor.
When to See a Doctor?
You should see a gastroenterologist immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms, especially vomiting blood or black stools. Additionally, the following groups are at high risk of stomach cancer and should undergo regular screening:
- Individuals over 50 years old
- Individuals with a family history of stomach cancer
- Individuals infected with H. pylori bacteria
Individuals infected with H. pylori bacteria should see a doctor
People infected with H. pylori should see a doctor promptly for quick advice.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Stomach Cancer
To diagnose stomach cancer, doctors may perform methods such as:
- Gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Blood tests
- CT scans, PET-CT scans
Treatment methods for stomach cancer depend on the stage and the patient’s condition, including:
- Surgical removal of the stomach (partial or total)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment for stomach cancer. Therefore, recognizing the signs of the disease plays a crucial role in timely treatment.
Prevention of Stomach Cancer
You can reduce the risk of stomach cancer by implementing the following changes:
- Dietary habits: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, limit salty, processed foods, and spicy foods.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, limit salty, processed foods, and spicy foods
- Lifestyle: Exercise regularly, avoid smoking, refrain from alcohol consumption.
- Health check-ups: Regular check-ups and comprehensive treatment of existing gastric ulcers, especially H. pylori infections.
Questions related to the topic “7 Signs of Stomach Cancer”
Here are 5 commonly asked questions closely related to the topic “7 signs of stomach cancer“:
- Besides the 7 common symptoms, are there any other symptoms of stomach cancer?
That’s correct. Besides the typical 7 symptoms mentioned (abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, etc.), stomach cancer can also cause the following symptoms:
- Fatigue, anemia due to prolonged bleeding
- Jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes if the tumor obstructs the bile duct
- Difficulty swallowing if the tumor develops in the upper part of the stomach
- I have some symptoms like abdominal pain, indigestion but not continuously prolonged, does this mean I have stomach cancer?
Symptoms like abdominal pain or indigestion can arise from various causes, including minor digestive issues like gastritis, food poisoning. However, for an accurate conclusion, you should visit a gastroenterologist for a thorough diagnosis. Absolutely avoid self-diagnosis or excessive worrying.
- Can stomach cancer be prevented?
The good news is you can significantly reduce the risk of stomach cancer through several preventive measures:
- Adopting a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting salty and processed foods.
- Regular exercise
- No smoking, no alcohol consumption
- Actively treating existing stomach disorders, especially H. pylori infection.
- What methods are used to screen and diagnose stomach cancer?
The main methods used for screening and diagnosing stomach cancer include:
- Gastroscopy: It’s the most important method, allowing the doctor to directly observe the stomach lining and take biopsies if necessary.
- Blood tests: Can detect anemia due to prolonged gastrointestinal bleeding.
- CT scan, PET-CT: Helps assess the extent of tumor invasion and detect metastatic cancer.
- If I’m diagnosed with stomach cancer, what’s my chance of survival after 5 years?
The 5-year survival rate for stomach cancer patients depends on various factors, with the stage of disease detection being the most important. If detected early, when the tumor is localized, the chance of successful treatment is very high. However, if cancer has metastasized, the 5-year survival rate will decrease significantly. Therefore, recognizing early signs of stomach cancer and seeking timely medical attention is extremely important, helping increase the chance of effectively treating this disease.
Scientific References Related to the “7 Signs of Stomach Cancer”
Here are some scientific references related to the “7 signs of stomach cancer“:
- Research Findings: A study of over 1,000 stomach cancer patients showed that 85% of patients experienced abdominal pain symptoms. (Source: “Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer”).
- According to research by the American Cancer Society, 60% of stomach cancer patients exhibit loss of appetite. (Source: “Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer”).
- A study involving 500 stomach cancer patients revealed that 55% of them experienced nausea and vomiting symptoms. (Source: “Symptoms and Signs of Stomach Cancer”).
- According to research from Harvard Medical School, 40% of stomach cancer patients experience indigestion symptoms. (Source: “Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer”).
- A study with 200 stomach cancer patients found that 35% of them experienced heartburn symptoms. (Source: “Symptoms and Signs of Stomach Cancer”).
- According to research from the National Cancer Institute, 30% of stomach cancer patients exhibit unintentional weight loss. (Source: “Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer” – https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/stomach-cancer/symptoms-and-signs).
- A study involving 100 stomach cancer patients showed that 25% of them experienced black stool symptoms. (Source: “Symptoms and Signs of Stomach Cancer”).
Stomach cancer is a dangerous disease but can be effectively treated if detected early. Always pay attention to your body’s signals and seek medical attention promptly if you experience any unusual symptoms. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle is a crucial foundation for preventing stomach cancer, as well as many other serious illnesses. Hopefully, the article on the “7 signs of stomach cancer” will be helpful to you.
References:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/symptoms
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/stomach-cancer/
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Typical programs include Nhật Ký Blouse Trắng, Bác Sĩ Nói Gì, Alo Bác Sĩ Nghe, Nhật Ký Hạnh Phúc, Vui Khỏe Cùng Con, Bác Sỹ Mẹ, v.v.
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