Gastric (stomach) cancer symptoms

Cancer can attack the stomach and stomach lining. According to data from Globocan, cases of stomach and stomach cancer in Indonesia reached 3,014 with a death rate of 2,521 in 2018. The high mortality rate, possibly due to late detection, is because many are not aware of the symptoms. Actually, are the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer (stomach)?

Recognize the symptoms of stomach cancer (stomach)

Cancer of the stomach or stomach can cause death because cancer cells will spread rapidly and damage the function of the surrounding tissues or organs. Therefore, in order for the patient to have a better life expectancy, cancer must be treated appropriately with surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Not only that, earlier treatment for stomach cancer also makes the disease easier to treat. That means, people who feel symptoms must be aware that this condition is a sign of stomach cancer and immediately see a doctor.

Symptoms of cancer that attacks the digestive system are divided into two, namely early stage symptoms and advanced stage symptoms.

• Signs and symptoms of early stage stomach (stomach) cancer

Most cases of cancer that attacks the stomach or stomach, do not cause early signs of disease. Only a small proportion may be aware of the symptoms. This too is often seen as a common digestive problem that can go away on its own.

Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic, some of the early signs of early-stage stomach and stomach cancer include:

1. Stomach bloating or feeling full.
2. Ulcer (heartburn, constant belching, or a burning sensation in the chest).
3. Nausea and body discomfort.

Although the symptoms are very common, cancer of the stomach (stomach) is likely to occur continuously. It can also not go away easily, even though you have treated it.

• Signs and symptoms of advanced stomach (stomach) cancer

Without treatment, cancer cells will metastasize. This condition causes the appearance of new symptoms or worsening of symptoms that have previously been felt. The following are the characteristics of stomach (stomach) cancer that is entering an advanced or late stage, including:

1. Frequent diarrhea or constipation

Diarrhea and constipation are very common digestive problems. This usually occurs because you eat unclean foods or eat less fibrous foods, such as vegetables and fruit. By increasing your fiber intake again and taking medication to relieve constipation or diarrhea, the condition will improve quickly.

But make no mistake, these two conditions can be signs of stomach cancer or stomach cancer. You can feel just diarrhea or constipation on a continuous basis. The two symptoms can also alternate in the long term.

2. Decreased appetite and decreased body weight dramatically

In the early stages, people with gastric cancer will be prone to feeling flatulence. This symptom will later make you lose your appetite. You will feel full quickly, even if the food portion is only a small amount. As a result, a large amount of weight loss will occur without realizing it.

3. The body is extremely tired

Almost all cancer patients experience symptoms of body fatigue, including stomach and stomach cancer. This condition makes you unable to do your usual activities. In fact, it doesn't even get better after you rest.

This fatigue is most likely due to other cancer symptoms. For example, continuing diarrhea makes you have to go back and forth to the bathroom. Meanwhile, the body's energy is very limited because you eat a little.

A tired body can also be a sign of cancer entering an advanced stage, such as grade 4 (late). The reason is, this symptom is closely related to the occurrence of anemia, a complication of cancer that generally attacks the digestive system.

4. Chapter bleeding

The next characteristic of stomach or stomach cancer is bloody stool. Blood mixes with stomach acid, making it dark in color. The appearance of these symptoms can be a sign of bleeding inside your stomach.

5. There is swelling in the stomach

In addition to pain in the stomach, cancer of the stomach or stomach can cause swelling. You may feel the swelling in your upper abdomen.

The occurrence of swelling is caused by the formation of tumor cells in the stomach or stomach lining. These tumors are formed from cancer cells that continue to divide without control and do not die.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience the signs and symptoms above and they don't get better in more than a week, it's best to see a doctor immediately. Moreover, if you have family members with a history of cancer. Please note that not everyone feels the same symptoms. There are also those who feel other cancer symptoms that are not mentioned above.

Symptoms that appear can be a sign of stomach or stomach cancer, it can also be other diseases that attack the digestive system.

In order to make a correct cancer diagnosis, the oncologist will order a medical test. Through these tests, doctors can also find out how far the cancer has spread and determine the stage of cancer you have. Then the cancer treatment will be determined.

You need to know that knowing the symptoms is also one of the preventive measures for stomach cancer.