10 Stomach Cancer Symptoms That Feel Like Normal Digestive Problems

We’ve all had those days when our stomachs feel a little off, maybe it’s a bit of bloating, or that all-too-familiar feeling of indigestion after a big meal. But what if those symptoms are more than just a case of overdoing it at lunch? For many, the early signs of stomach cancer can often be mistaken for something much less serious, like a stomach bug or a digestive issue. In this article, we’re diving into key signs you should never ignore, because when it comes to your health, it’s always better to be cautious than sorry.

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Early Detection of Stomach Cancer on the Rise

Recent research shows that doctors are catching stomach cancer earlier, which means it’s often found at a more treatable stage. This is a big win in the battle against a disease that’s been tough to fight.

Interestingly, stomach cancer is rising among younger people, which is surprising since it’s typically been a cancer seen in older adults. A study that looked at data from the National Cancer Institute found that early-stage diagnoses have jumped by 53% from 2004 to 2021.

Meanwhile, the number of cases where the cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs has dropped by 38%, and cases spreading to distant organs decreased by almost 8%.

Dr. Mohamed Tausif Siddiqui, the lead author of the study and a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic, credits these improvements to better endoscopic imaging and the more widespread use of upper endoscopies, which help doctors catch cancer earlier. In fact, 2021 marked the first year when early-stage stomach cancer was more common than advanced-stage cancer at the time of diagnosis. This is a huge step forward.

Dr. Siddiqui also pointed out that catching stomach cancer early can lead to less invasive treatments and better outcomes. He shared these findings at Digestive Disease Week, a major international medical conference.

Concerning Trends in Younger Americans

Although stomach cancer rates have slightly decreased overall, from 8.44 cases per 100,000 people in 2000 to 7.53 in 2021, there’s a concerning trend: younger people, particularly women, are being diagnosed more often, and their cases tend to be found at more advanced stages.

Researchers are still figuring out why this is happening, but one thing is clear: early detection is critical. The American Cancer Society reports that when stomach cancer is caught before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is 75%. But if it spreads to nearby lymph nodes or organs, the survival rate drops to 36%. And if it spreads to distant parts of the body, the survival rate plummets to just 7%.

Challenges in Diagnosis and Recognizing Symptoms

Right now, people are only tested for stomach cancer if they have symptoms, a family history, or other risk factors. This is a problem because stomach cancer often develops slowly and doesn’t show clear symptoms in the early stages. By the time symptoms appear, they can be vague and often mistaken for something else, like indigestion or acid reflux.

Dr. Mojun Zhu, a medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers, explained that many younger patients dismiss their symptoms as simple indigestion or reflux, so they don’t seek medical care right away.

Key Symptoms to Watch For

Here are some early signs of stomach cancer to watch out for:

• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing heartburn or indigestion
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating, especially after eating
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sudden aversion to certain foods, such as meat
• Sudden intolerance to certain foods, such as fruit, coffee or alcohol
• Feeling of fullness, pressure in the stomach

As the cancer progresses, symptoms can become more noticeable, including:

• Vomiting blood
• Extreme fatigue
• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in stool
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen

Dr. Zhu added that people usually seek medical help when symptoms get worse, like losing weight or having trouble eating or swallowing.

Future Outlook and Risk Factors

Looking ahead to 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 30,300 new cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in the US, with roughly 10,780 deaths expected.

People most at risk for stomach cancer include those with a Helicobacter pylori infection, a family history of the disease, certain genetic conditions, and long-term digestive issues like acid reflux. Being overweight, inactive, or having had stomach surgery also increases the risk. Diet also plays a role—eating a lot of smoked, salted, or pickled foods, and not enough fruits and vegetables, can raise the risk, especially when combined with smoking or heavy drinking.

If you’re concerned about your blood sugar, this article on 11 warning signs of prediabetes and tips to reverse it is a must-read for early prevention and better health.