Stomach Cancer Warning: 5 Silent Symptoms You Might Miss

Stomach

or gastric cancer is becoming fairly common, especially among youngsters, as more than 7 in 100,000 people are diagnosed every year, while 3 in 100,000 die from the disease. According to experts, around 0.8 per cent of all men and women will be diagnosed with stomach cancer at some point in their lives. And doctors say the only way to protect yourself is an early diagnosis, which can be treated well in time. Since stomach cancer affects men and women differently, doctors say it can also be a little difficult to diagnose. But it is also important to understand its unique traits and the illnesses that the condition mimics.

Early signs of stomach cancer you must not ignore

However, a few early signs of stomach cancer, which need your immediate attention, may include:

Feeling too full early

Feeling full after eating even small amounts of food can be an early sign of stomach cancer - especially if it is persistent and accompanied by a few other symptoms as well. Doctors say this feeling may occur because a tumour may restrict your stomach's ability to expand. Over time, it may lead to decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss. Many dismiss this feeling as “overeating” or “gas,” but persistent fullness after small meals should not be ignored.

Frequent bloating and burping

Doctors say that while frequent bloating and burping are usually considered signs of an upset stomach or indigestion, they should not be taken lightly. It is always important to see a doctor for persistent symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by other signs like unexplained weight loss, feeling full quickly, or persistent abdominal discomfort, as early detection of stomach cancer is linked to a better prognosis.

Mild nausea

Mild nausea is an early sign of stomach cancer - especially if it is persistent, keeps coming every now and then, and is not linked to a clear cause like an infection or pregnancy. Doctors say even though occasional nausea is common, when it becomes a pattern - especially when there are also other symptoms like a change in appetite, heartburn, or indigestion, it warrants immediate medical attention.

Iron deficiency

An unexplained deficiency of iron, also known as anemia, can be an early sign of stomach cancer. Doctors say this usually happens due to slow and chronic bleeding from a tumour in the stomach lining. It also leads to various other symptoms like persistent fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and breathlessness, and is a medical reason enough to go for further testing.

Increasing food intolerance

If you are undergoing a sudden or increasing intolerance to certain foods, it can be a sign of stomach cancer. According to experts, it happens because a growing tumour leads to inflammation of the sensitive stomach lining, disrupts digestion, and even physically obstructs the passage of food, making it difficult to process foods that were once fine.