All of these could appear in the very earliest stages of stomach cancer which, if diagnosed early, improves the recovery outlook.
Symptoms of stomach cancer can include:
- Early satiety/fullness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness
- Persistent heartburn.
“Some of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastroesophageal reflux,” cautioned Dr Kasraie. “And tiredness might be put down to anaemia.”
Gastroesophageal reflux is a common condition, the NHS says, which occurs when acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus.
This condition leads to heartburn and an unpleasant taste in the back of the mouth.
So, if these symptoms could be indicative of a less serious condition such as acid reflux, how can you know when it’s time to book a doctor’s appointment?
Dr Kasraie answered: “If you suffer with any of the symptoms above for more than three weeks you should book an appointment with your GP.”
Other stomach cancer symptoms
Cancer Research UK listed more symptoms of stomach cancer to be aware of, such as:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Tummy pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Dark poo.
Any persisting symptoms should be checked over by a medical professional.
Cancer survival
The charity says: “Survival depends on many factors. No one can tell you exactly how long you will live.
“Your outlook depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. This means how big it is and whether it has spread.
“The type of cancer and grade of the cancer cells can also affect your survival. Grade means how abnormal the cells look under the microscope.”
To improve your chances of survival, an early diagnosis can be extremely helpful.
If you are concerned about any lingering symptoms you might have, do book a doctor’s appointment.
Should stomach cancer be diagnosed, treatment can include chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Treatment options will be tailored to the person affected, based on numerous factors.
