Stomach cancer can present itself in several different ways, such as difficulty swallowing, feeling bloated after eating, feeling full after only eating a small amount of food, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, unintentional weight loss, and vomiting. If you have any signs and symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor.
Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, or persistent indigestion that doesn’t improve with time could be indicative of certain types of cancer, such as esophageal, stomach, or throat cancer. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions like acid reflux or a hiatal hernia.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you notice a significant and unintentional weight loss without changes in your diet or physical activity, it could be a potential sign of cancer. Weight loss can occur in various types of cancer, such as pancreatic, lung, stomach, or esophageal cancer. However, it’s important to note that weight loss can also have other causes, such as thyroid issues or stress.
Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits
Any persistent changes in bowel movements or urinary habits should be taken seriously. These changes may include blood in the stool or urine, prolonged diarrhea or constipation, increased frequency of urination, or changes in bladder control. While these symptoms can indicate colorectal, bladder, or prostate cancer, they can also be caused by less severe conditions like urinary tract infections or hemorrhoids.