What is stomach cancer, and how is it treated?
Stomach cancer is a common disease that occurs in 1 in 111 people who may develop a cancerous tumor in their stomach during their lifetime, and this is most common among men aged 60-70. The cancerous tumor usually develops in the area of the stomach tissue, and its main cause is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which is responsible for 60% of the spread of the disease in the world. The main risk factors for this cancer are smoking, the development of a stomach ulcer and eating a lot of smoked food. At the same time, it is important to emphasize that in the end, the direct causes of the disease are random mutations that occur during cell division, therefore there is a dimension of randomness in the recurrence of the disease, and it can also occur regardless of smoking or eating certain foods. Stomach cancer is treated by surgically removing the tumor, but this is only possible in the early stages of the disease when the tumor is still localized, small and has not yet spread to the lymph node or nearby organs. There is still no treatment for the late stages after the spread, and the disease is considered incurable. That is why it is very important to pay attention to the following 8 signs so that cancer can be detected at the earliest stage.
8 signs of developing stomach cancer
1. Frequent and persistent stomach pains
Abdominal pain is a common and very not uncommon thing, which happens to people on an almost daily basis and does not indicate cancer at all, but when the abdominal pain becomes sharp, frequent and more and more persistent, there is room for suspicion. Even if most of the time the source of the pain turns out to be an illness or other health problem in the stomach, these symptoms should not be taken for granted, because sometimes severe pain can indicate the development of a mass in the stomach. The signs that the pains are due to the development of cancer include the persistence of the pains over time and a feeling that a kind of "grinding" is going on in your stomach. It is not about something that you will suddenly feel one day, but pains that last more than two weeks in a way that goes on and on.
2. Rapid loss of appetite
One potential indication of the onset of stomach cancer is a sudden and significant loss of appetite. This may occur when you feel hungry and begin to eat, but quickly lose your desire to continue after just a few bites, finding the taste unappealing. Experts refer to this as early satiety, which can be a warning sign of a serious issue, such as a cancerous growth. If you normally feel full relatively quickly, there is likely no cause for concern. However, if this is a new occurrence, it is recommended that you seek medical attention to rule out any potential health problems.
3. Blood in vomit or feces
If blood is observed in the stool, it could be a signal of various digestive and stomach conditions, and it may even increase the chance of developing cancer. It is recommended to seek medical attention without delay. Although blood in feces or vomit could also indicate issues like stomach ulcers or Crohn's disease, it is essential to differentiate between them. In the event of stomach cancer, the blood found in feces will be burgundy or dark black due to the stomach enzymes. On the other hand, the blood accompanying vomit secretions resulting from stomach cancer will be granular in texture and bright red in color since it has been partly digested. Unexplained weight loss is another symptom that requires attention.
4. Unexplained drop in weight
Losing weight unexpectedly can be a result of various health problems, such as Addison's disease, type 1 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and stomach cancer. Therefore, if you notice a decrease in your weight even if you are not following any diet, it is crucial to consult a doctor for proper examination and treatment. It is essential to note that weight loss may occur gradually rather than suddenly. However, if you have lost more than 5-6 kilograms in six months without any dietary changes or increased physical activity, it is a matter of concern and needs to be checked. Additionally, continuous heartburn can also be a symptom of some underlying health issues.
5. Incessant heartburn
Annoying and incessant heartburn can be a clear sign of the development of a cancerous mass in the stomach. There are many explanations and reasons for the development of heartburn, and they in themselves are far from being a product of stomach cancer only, but if they persist for a long time, are very painful and do not stop, it is necessary to contact a specialist, consult and check the cause of this symptom.
6. Increased fatigue
One of the general signs that can indicate the development of a cancerous mass in your body is increased fatigue and lack of energy that do not go away even after a good night's sleep. In the case of stomach cancer, this fatigue occurs due to a lot of loss of blood and fluids, mainly due to bloody stool secretions. If, in addition to the various symptoms we have mentioned here, you also suffer from increased fatigue and a general decrease in function, contact your doctor immediately to check and diagnose whether you are ill.
7. Bloating, diarrhea and constipation
When a cancerous tumor develops in the stomach, it is likely to cause bloating and issues with bowel movements. While experiencing just one of these symptoms may not necessarily indicate cancer and could be caused by other factors, if you experience a combination of these symptoms along with others mentioned in the list, it is important to seek medical attention and undergo an examination to rule out the possibility of cancer.
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