New Delhi: Stomach cancer is a common form of the disease in India and according to the American Cancer Society, the disease’s risk is high in people who have a family history of it or those who have a genetic disorder or syndrome such as Lynch syndrome, diffuse gastric cancer or juvenile polyposis syndrome. Doctors say that age, too, is a risk factor as the tumour is likely to form in older people with an average age of diagnosis being 68 years.
Approximately 60 per cent of cancers occur in people above 65 years and the lifetime risk is highest in men but it can affect anyone. The disease develops slowly over several years due to DNA changes which can damage the cells thereby resulting in the formation of a tumour. While smoking can spike the risks drastically combined with poor dietary choices or frequent acid reflux, it is essential to be aware of the early symptoms of the disease. And if diagnosed timely, stomach cancer can be treated to improve the long-term quality of life of the patient.
Read on to know the early symptoms of stomach cancer.
Swollen stomach
There is a difference between swollen stomach and a bloated stomach – a swollen stomach feels full and painful and the pain can start as mild discomfort and get tenser as the disease progresses to advanced stages. The risk increase when one eats too much salty and smoky food, pickled vegetables, processed, preserved, grilled and charcoaled meat, says the American Cancer Society.
Unexplained weight loss
When the stomach feels too full or swollen, it is likely to hurt a great deal thereby lowering appetite. As a result, one ends up losing weight without being sure of the exact cause. Doctors say that it is one of the key early symptoms of the disease. If you see it happening for a prolonged period, report it to a doctor and get a check-up done on priority. Cancer can make eating difficult as the body takes more energy from the healthy cells and burns more energy at rest thereby resulting in weight loss.
Heartburn
Heartburn is another common early sign of stomach cancer. The stomach acids, responsible for breaking food and digesting it, can be pushed back up the oesophagus due to indigestion or tumour. Also known as acid reflux, it is not always a cause of concern until the condition becomes frequent and severe. In that case, check with a doctor.
Abdominal pain
Frequent, persistent and unexplained abdominal pain could also be indicative of a tumour in the stomach. Although the disease does not always show symptoms in the early stages, patients might experience indigestion and pain in the upper part of the belly. Over time, in advanced stages, patients might experience fatigue, blood in vomit and black stools.
Nausea and vomiting
Cancer or tumour can result in frequent episodes of nausea and vomiting. It is likely to give patients ulcers as the levels of stomach acids become low thereby raising harmful bacteria levels. Sometimes, a backup of bile from the small intestine after stomach surgery may further contribute to the disease.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
