Stomach Cancer: No Pain, No Itch? Be Alert to These Symptoms That May Signal Cancer’s Arrival
Stomach cancer is a serious malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract that is often overlooked due to its subtle early symptoms. However, early detection and treatment are crucial for improving the cure rate. While stomach cancer may be “painless” in its early stages, the body can exhibit certain symptoms that indicate the potential onset of cancer. Here are five symptoms of stomach cancer to watch out for:
- Abdominal Pain
Some early-stage stomach cancer patients may experience symptoms of upper abdominal pain. This pain is often irregular and may manifest as dull or swollen discomfort, which can be temporarily alleviated by medication but tends to recur. Therefore, if upper abdominal pain persists for an extended period and the cause is unclear, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. - Indigestion
Patients with stomach cancer may show signs of indigestion, such as early satiety (feeling full after eating only a small amount of food), bloating, belching, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can lead to a gradual decrease in appetite, affecting weight and nutrition. If you experience persistent indigestion, it is important to be vigilant about the possibility of stomach cancer. - Gastrointestinal Bleeding
When cancerous tissue invades the blood vessels of the stomach lining, it can cause bleeding. If the bleeding is minor, the blood may oxidize in the intestines, resulting in black stools; if the bleeding is more significant, the patient may experience vomiting blood. Gastrointestinal bleeding is a critical symptom of stomach cancer, and it requires immediate medical attention upon discovery. - Weight Loss
Early-stage stomach cancer can consume the body’s energy and nutrients, leading to unexplained weight loss without intentional dieting, often accompanied by feelings of fatigue and weakness. If there is a significant and unexplained weight loss over a short period, we should be wary of the possibility of stomach cancer. - Bitter Taste and Mouth Ulcers
Oral pain and mouth ulcers may be caused by cancer cells invading the stomach wall. Cancer cells can irritate the stomach lining, leading to inflammation, which may result in mouth ulcers, pain, and difficulty eating. Although these symptoms do not necessarily point directly to stomach cancer, they should be taken seriously, especially when accompanied by other related symptoms.
In addition to the five symptoms mentioned above, stomach cancer patients may also experience persistent fatigue and weakness, long-term indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms may be related to the body’s energy depletion caused by cancer, as well as pressure and irritation on the stomach from the tumor.
To prevent stomach cancer, it is important to maintain good lifestyle habits, such as balancing work and rest, avoiding late nights and overwork, and engaging in moderate exercise to boost immunity. Additionally, it is advisable to limit the intake of high-salt, high-fat, and smoked foods, as well as to reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption to lower the risk of stomach cancer.
