The early signs of stomach cancer are usually very mild, and may not be noticeable at all. As the cancer progresses, the symptoms will become more noticeable and may include the following:
- pain high in the abdomen between the ribs
- a lump in the upper abdomen
- loss of appetite
- feeling uncomfortably full after even a small meal
- lethargy
- weight loss
- persistent indigestion
- heartburn
- difficulty swallowing
- nausea
- vomiting (may include blood)
- blood in the stools (this is likely to be black, rather than red in colour)
Unfortunately, the lack of symptoms during the early stages often means that the cancer is well advanced by the time the patient visits the doctor and the condition is diagnosed. Anyone who suffers unexplained or sudden weight loss, persistent vomiting (or blood-ridden vomit), bloody stools, difficulty swallowing or persistent abdominal pain should consult their GP immediately.
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