Beginning: When a Stomach ache Could Be a Sign of Something Else
If you have a stomach ache, it might just be a temporary problem, like missing a meal or eating something too spicy. But if that pain doesn’t go away, gets worse, or comes with other strange symptoms, it could be your body trying to tell you something more serious. Stomach cancer symptoms are often subtle at first and are easily mistaken for less serious conditions.
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, often grows without causing any symptoms until it is too late to treat it effectively. But the good news is? Finding things early saves lives.
We at Onco-Life Cancer Centre think that the first step in preventing cancer is to be aware of it. This guide is intended for patients, their families, carers, and anyone who has ever wondered, “Is this more than just a stomach upset?”
What Is Stomach Cancer?
When cells in the lining of the stomach grow out of control, they form a tumour, which is what stomach cancer is. It usually takes a long time to develop and is more likely to happen to men over 50.
Adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that make mucus in the stomach, is the most common type. Other less common types of stomach cancer include lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), and carcinoid tumours.
Why Stomach Cancer Is Often Missed
Some people call stomach cancer a “silent” cancer because the symptoms of stomach cancer are similar to common digestive problems. Sadly, this means that people often wait too long to get help.
In India, many cases are found in Stage III or IV, when the cancer may have spread to other organs.
Early Warning Signs: What You Should Watch Out For
It’s essential to notice the small signs. If these gastric cancer symptoms last longer than two weeks, you should see a doctor.- Heartburn Or Indigestion That Won’t Go Away
If that burning feeling doesn’t go away with regular treatment, it could be more than just acidity.
- Getting bloated after meals
One of the first signs is feeling too full even after eating a small meal.
- Not wanting to eat or feeling full quickly
If you suddenly lose interest in food or get full too quickly, it could mean something is wrong with your upper digestive tract.
- Losing weight for no reason
You should never ignore weight loss that happens without trying.
- Feeling sick or throwing up
Especially if you vomit blood or vomit a lot.
- Stools that are black or sticky
This could mean that there is bleeding inside the stomach.
- Tiredness
Internal bleeding can cause anaemia, which can make you weak and exhausted all the time.
- Pain in the stomach
Upper abdominal pain persists, particularly after meals.
Symptoms Can Be Different for Women
Many women think that stomach problems are just stress or menstrual pain. But they should be on the lookout for certain stomach cancer symptoms in females may include:
- Bloating
- Nausea that won’t go away
- Not being hungry
- Weakness
You should see your doctor if these signs continue to occur.
What Makes Stomach Cancer Happen?
There isn’t just one cause, but there are several risk factors that make it more likely to happen:
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori
This common stomach bacteria can cause ulcers and long-term inflammation, which can lead to cancer.
- Age and sex
The majority of cases arise post-55 years of age. It is more likely to happen to men than to women.
- What you eat
Eating more processed, salty, or smoked foods and fewer fruits and vegetables raises the risk.
- Family History
Having close relatives with stomach cancer raises the risk.
- Drinking and smoking
Smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol can hurt the lining of the stomach.
- Being overweight
Being overweight raises the risk of getting cancer in the upper stomach.
How Do Doctors Find Out If Someone Has Stomach Cancer?
If a doctor thinks you might have stomach cancer, they might do the following tests:
- Endoscopy
A thin tube with a camera is put down the throat to look at the stomach and take tissue samples.
- Biopsy
If a suspicious area is found, a sample is taken and looked at under a microscope.
- Tests that take pictures
CT scans, PET-CT scans, or MRIs can help find out if cancer has spread.
- Barium X-ray of the swallow
You drink a barium solution that coats your stomach and makes abnormal areas show up on X-rays.
Different Ways to Treat Cancer at Onco-Life Cancer Centre
We at Onco-Life Cancer Centre think that oncologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and nutritionists should all work together.
- Operation
The primary treatment, particularly for cancers in their initial stages, is surgery. It might mean taking out part or all of the stomach.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used either before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant) to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation Treatment
Often used with chemotherapy, it shrinks tumours and kills any cells that are left after surgery.
- Targeted Treatment
If the cancer cells have certain genetic mutations, drugs like trastuzumab may be used.
- Immunotherapy
In certain advanced cases, immunotherapy aids the immune system in combating cancer cells.
Can You Stop Stomach Cancer?
The following steps can greatly lower your risk, even if they can’t completely stop it:
- Stop smoking
- Eat a healthy diet that includes a lot of fruits, vegetables, and fibre
- Stay away from too much salt and processed foods
- Keep your weight in check
- Cut back on alcohol
- Quickly treat H. pylori infections
- If you have a family history, get regular checkups
Also Read : Five Signs Of Neck Cancer That You Should Know About
Early Detection Saves Lives: This Is How Onco-Life Helps
Are you in search of a nearby cancer hospital? The Onco-Life Cancer Centre has everything you need:
- Talegaon, Wagholi, Satara, and Chiplun have centres
- Advanced PET-CT, endoscopy, pathology, and imaging
- MJPJAY and PMJAY programs help people get cancer treatment at a low cost
- A compassionate team consisting of oncologists, dietitians, psychologists, and social workers is available to provide support
- There are programs available to assist carers and support people in their recovery after treatment
When Should You See a Doctor?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you or someone you care about has any of the following, see a doctor:
- Experiencing frequent bloating or persistent nausea
- Not wanting to eat
- Throwing up blood
- black Stools
- Tired all the time
It might not be cancer, but knowing for sure can help you relax.
Also Read : The Complete Guide to Throat Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Available Treatments
Last Thoughts: Trust Your Gut (in a Literal Sense)
Stomach cancer can sneak up on you. But your body is always trying to talk to you.
Listen to your gut, both in a figurative and literal sense.
Trust your gut if you think something is wrong. We are always open at Onco-Life Cancer Centre. We don’t just treat cancer; we treat people with kindness, honesty, and care.
We’re here to help you find chemotherapy near you, a PET scan in Pune, or just a second opinion.
