There are subtle signs in the body that may indicate early-stage stomach cancer.

Stomach cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases of the digestive system. Its symptoms are often similar to common gastric disorders, making it easy for patients to confuse and overlook the condition. As a result, the disease is often detected only when it has reached an advanced stage. Recognizing the early signs of stomach cancer can help with timely diagnosis and the development of an effective treatment plan.

Sudden Weight Loss

Unexplained and sudden weight loss is one of the most typical and noticeable symptoms of stomach cancer. When cancer cells are present in the stomach, they absorb nutrients from the body to support their growth, leading to rapid weight loss over a short period of time. This is a consequence of malignant changes associated with stomach cancer.

In more advanced stages, weight loss progresses more rapidly and may exceed 15% of total body weight within just three months.

Loss of Appetite and Indigestion

People with weak stomach function often experience indigestion. However, in stomach cancer patients, indigestion is usually accompanied by a significant loss of appetite. Many patients mistakenly believe they are suffering from gastric ulcers or gastritis and assume that medication alone will resolve the issue. While stomach medicines may temporarily relieve symptoms, they can also lead to acid reflux, causing the condition to worsen over time without proper diagnosis.

Bloating and Abdominal Distension

If you have stomach cancer, this symptom may occur persistently. According to studies, more than 70% of early-stage stomach cancer patients experience obvious bloating and abdominal distension, often occurring during periods of rest.

These symptoms may temporarily disappear when the body is active, during exercise, or when attention is distracted. However, they still negatively affect the patient’s ability to regulate eating and digestion.

Blood in Stool

Not only stomach cancer but also conditions such as colitis can cause blood in the stool or vomiting blood. However, when bleeding is related to stomach cancer, blood in the stool is usually red or black, while blood vomited is often bright red.

This phenomenon occurs due to small amounts of bleeding in the stomach, which may be associated with smoking, alcohol abuse, overwork, or improper medication use. Therefore, if these symptoms appear, patients should seek medical attention promptly for an accurate diagnosis.

Discomfort in the Upper Abdomen

Before stomach cancer is diagnosed, patients often experience discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. Common symptoms include a feeling of fullness or a burning sensation after eating. This pain is easily mistaken for indigestion or gastritis. However, as the condition worsens, the pain becomes more severe and lasts longer. The best approach is to visit a hospital promptly whenever unusual abdominal pain occurs.

Difficulty Swallowing

As the stomach tumor grows and compresses the esophagus, stomach cancer patients may experience increasing difficulty swallowing. In more severe cases, food may feel stuck in the throat or be regurgitated. This symptom is often accompanied by heartburn.