Cancer does not always give characteristic symptoms. Many times, cancer is silent—giving little or no signs—making it difficult to detect in the early stages.
Other times, the symptoms mimic common infections or conditions, leading to misdiagnosis and late detection. One such cancer is stomach (or gastric) cancer, which is often asymptomatic in earlier stages and becomes noticeable only in advanced stages.
Anatomy and Risk
The stomach is located mid-abdomen and is closely related to organs like the liver, pancreas, esophagus, and colon. Most stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas, forming in the glandular cells of the stomach’s inner lining.
Due to its structural and functional position, stomach cancer symptoms are easily overlooked or mistaken for other conditions.
Early-Stage Symptoms
People with early-stage stomach cancer often show no symptoms. As the cancer grows, the following may appear:
- Pain in the abdomen above the navel
- Heartburn
- Sense of fullness in the upper abdomen after small meals
- Frequent indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms overlap with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, GERD, ulcers, or infections, leading many to self-treat or delay medical consultation.
Advanced-Stage Symptoms
In India, stomach cancer is the 4th most common cancer overall and the 3rd most common in men. If undetected early, it can spread to the liver, lungs, or peritoneum.
Advanced symptoms include:
- Generalized body weakness and fatigue
- Blood in stool
- Uncontrolled vomiting
- Jaundice (if liver is affected)
- Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen (ascites)
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Diagnosis and Awareness
The primary reason stomach cancer is often detected late is the lack of routine screening. In countries like Japan, where it is common, mass screenings lead to early detection.
Based on symptoms, doctors may recommend an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, biopsy, or CT scans. Early detection significantly improves treatment success.
While November is stomach cancer awareness month, raising awareness about causes, symptoms, and early treatment is crucial year-round.