LifestyleThe first sign of stomach cancer. You'll notice it while eating

The first sign of stomach cancer. You'll notice it while eating

What symptoms may indicate stomach cancer?
What symptoms may indicate stomach cancer?
Images source: © licensor | Nenad Cavoski

1:02 PM EDT, October 18, 2023

Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. In the United States, it makes up about 5 percent of all cancer cases in men and 3 percent in women. Its symptoms are often downplayed. So how can we recognize it?

This disease develops in multiple stages, and chronic infection of the stomach mucosa by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria is considered the strongest single risk factor for its occurrence.

First symptoms of stomach cancer

Initial symptoms of stomach cancer are nonspecific and can be confused with other diseases, such as gastritis or stomach ulcer disease.

The most common symptoms include:

  • stomach ache,
  • weight loss,
  • loss of appetite, vomiting (sometimes bloody),
  • early feeling of fullness,
  • difficulty with swallowing,
  • weakness and indigestion,
  • Greasy stool.

The rest of the article is below the video material

It is important not to trivialize these symptoms and — if they do not subside — consult with a doctor as soon as possible. One should not use anti-ulcer or analgesic drugs for a long period without understanding the cause of the concerning symptoms!

It lowers blood pressure, reduces blood sugar levels. Just a tablespoon on an empty stomach is enough.

Risk Factors

Although chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria is currently considered the main risk factor for stomach cancer, the multifactorial nature of the disease means that its etiology remains complex.

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Stomach cancer. The risk may also increase due to the following:

  • a diet rich in salt and preservatives (excessive consumption of salt and preserved foods can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Current research suggests that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect),
  • smoking tobacco (almost double the risk of developing stomach cancer),
  • predispositions (people who have first-degree relatives with diagnosed stomach cancer are more at risk of developing this disease),
  • stomach diseases (chronic inflammation of the stomach, stomach polyps, or stomach surgeries),
  • environmental factors (exposure to asbestos or dust).

It's worth emphasizing that early diagnosis, which we can achieve, among other things, by regular gastroscope exams, is the key to effective stomach cancer treatment.

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