Doctors warn: This is a symptom of STOMACH CANCER that people most often overlook – Topky.sk

Stomach cancer often goes undiagnosed in the beginning because it tends to be asymptomatic until it is too late for treatment. “Even the most common early symptoms, such as often unexplained weight loss and stomach pain, usually don’t show up until the cancer is more advanced,” explained Cleveland Clinic experts. Common symptoms of stomach cancer include loss of appetite, tiredness or weakness, nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, heartburn or indigestion, dark stools, weight loss, stomach pain, bloating or gas, or feeling full after eating a small amount of food. According to Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist at Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California, unexplained weight loss is the most frequently overlooked symptom of stomach cancer. Photo gallery (3) Source: Getty Images In fact, according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia, and Muscle, which analyzed weight loss as a symptom of gastrointestinal cancers (including stomach, gallbladder, esophageal, colorectal, pancreatic, and small intestine), nearly half of all observed weight loss (48 percent) was related to stomach cancer. However, since weight loss is not specific to cancer, many patients misattribute it to other causes. So if you notice any unexpected weight loss or digestive problems, see your doctor. Time plays a huge role in this case. Photo gallery (3) Source: Getty Images Although stomach cancer can occur in anyone, certain factors increase the likelihood of its occurrence. These include a family history of this type of cancer or one of the following medical complications: helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, Epstein-Barr virus, stomach ulcers, stomach polyps. Eating habits and lifestyle are also important. People who regularly eat a diet high in salty, smoked, or fermented foods, those who drink alcohol excessively, and those who use tobacco products may also be at increased risk of stomach cancer.