Stomach Cancer: Early Symptoms and Prevention – Expert Insights

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, often develops silently over many years. In its early stages, it may not cause obvious symptoms, which is why awareness and timely medical attention are crucial. According to Dr. Suresh S, Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Vanagaram understanding subtle signs and making preventive lifestyle choices can significantly reduce risk and improve outcomes.

Early Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

• Early-stage stomach cancer may mimic common digestive issues, but persistent or progressive symptoms deserve medical evaluation. Key warning signs include:
• Indigestion or persistent heartburn
  Frequent discomfort in the upper abdomen that does not improve with routine treatment.
• Unexplained weight loss
  Sudden reduction in weight without changes in diet or activity level.
• Early satiety
  Feeling full after eating only a small amount.
• Nausea or vomiting
  Particularly when it becomes frequent or persistent.
• Loss of appetite
  Especially a sudden dislike for meat or strong-smelling foods.
• Bloating after meals
  Continuous abdominal fullness or discomfort.
• Blood in vomit or black stools
  A serious sign indicating possible internal bleeding.
• Fatigue and weakness
  Often related to anaemia caused by long-term internal bleeding.
• These symptoms may appear mild at first but should be taken seriously if they last more than two weeks.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Certain factors increase the chances of developing stomach cancer:

• Long-standing H. pylori infection
• Diets high in salted, smoked, or pickled foods
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Family history of gastric cancer
• Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle
• Previous stomach surgery or chronic gastric conditions
• People with these risk factors should undergo regular medical check-ups.

How to Prevent Stomach Cancer

Dr. Suresh emphasises that prevention is possible through simple lifestyle changes and timely screening:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fibre.
• Reduce intake of salty, smoked, and processed foods.
• Quit smoking to significantly lower gastric cancer risk.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Treat H. pylori infection early with proper medical guidance.
• Maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity.
• Undergo screening endoscopy if you have persistent symptoms or a strong family history.

Featuring insights from Dr. Suresh S, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Vanagaram, Chennai

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