November is Gastric Cancer Awareness Month, also known as Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. It is a good time to learn about stomach cancer, its symptoms, and the factors that may increase your risk.
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, begins in the lining of the stomach. Digestive symptoms often have causes other than cancer, but symptoms that persist or get worse deserve medical attention. Recognizing these changes can help you know when to contact your healthcare provider.
What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they can resemble common digestive problems, making them difficult to distinguish without medical evaluation.
According to the National Cancer Institute, possible symptoms include:
- Persistent indigestion or heartburn
- Ongoing discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen
- Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
- Reduced appetite, nausea, or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in vomit or stool, or black, tarry stools
- Unusual fatigue or weakness, which may be related to anemia
These symptoms can have many causes and do not automatically mean you have cancer. However, if they persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life, talk with a healthcare provider. Blood in vomit, significant bleeding, or black, tarry stools warrant prompt medical evaluation.
Who May Be at Higher Risk?
Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing stomach cancer. One known risk factor is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a common bacterial infection that can cause long-term inflammation in the stomach and increase cancer risk.
Other risk factors include having a close relative with stomach cancer, certain inherited conditions, increasing age, and being male. Smoking and diets high in salted, smoked, or poorly
preserved foods may also contribute to risk. Chronic stomach inflammation and certain changes to the stomach lining can further increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop stomach cancer, and people without known risk factors can still be diagnosed. If you have a family history of stomach cancer or a history of H. pylori infection, discuss your personal risk with your healthcare provider.
How Is Stomach Cancer Evaluated?
If you seek care for concerning symptoms, your provider may review your medical history, medications, symptoms, and family history. Blood tests can help identify anemia or other abnormalities, while additional testing may be recommended based on your symptoms.
An upper endoscopy allows a provider to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. If an abnormal area is found, a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, may be collected and examined for cancer. Your provider can explain which tests are appropriate for your situation.
Can Stomach Cancer Be Prevented or Detected Early?
There is no routine stomach cancer screening recommended for everyone at average risk in the United States. However, people at higher risk may benefit from discussing whether an endoscopy or other evaluation is appropriate.
Treating an H. pylori infection when present, avoiding tobacco, and limiting heavily salted and smoked foods may help reduce risk. Whether additional testing is appropriate depends on your medical history and individual risk factors.
Looking Forward
Stomach Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to pay attention to digestive changes that do not go away. Rather than assuming ongoing symptoms are simply indigestion, talk with your healthcare provider about what you are experiencing.
If you have persistent digestive symptoms or a family history of stomach cancer, contact a provider at GI Alliance to discuss your concerns.
