Little-known signs that could be symptoms of stomach cancer

Stomach cancer may not be a common form of cancer in the UK, but this means that its symptoms can also be hard to spot. Here’s one sign of stomach cancer to keep an eye out for, according to experts

In the UK, around 6,600 people get stomach cancer every year, making it one of the the least common cancers in the country, according to Bupa.

But with few people suffering from the illness, the symptoms often go unrecognised.

One of the main risk factors of stomach cancer is age, with men over 50 being most likely to be diagnosed with the condition.

People who have had close family like a parent or sibling with the cancer are also likely to be more at risk.

While very often symptoms of stomach cancer can be hard to spot, one of the major telltale signs is throwing up after you eat food.

What are the main symptoms of stomach cancer?

Besides feeling sick after eating, there are many other possible symptoms of stomach cancer such as:

• Heartburn or acid reflux – the second most common symptom of the disease when stomach acid travels up towards the throat and creates a burning sensation
• Finding it hard to swallow food (dysphagia) – this is another main symptom of stomach cancer where you find it hard to swallow your food because it sticks to the roof of your mouth as you try to swallow it
• Indigestion – this causes you to feel bloated and burp or belch often. Though harmless on its own, if this happens along with other symptoms you might want to visit your GP
• Feeling full quickly while eating – this is the final main symptom of stomach cancer where you feel full very quickly during a meal despite having eaten very little

Besides these main symptoms, there are also some secondary symptoms that could signal stomach cancer, according to the NHS. These are :

• loss of appetite
• unintentional weight loss over the last six to 12 months
• a lump at the top of your tummy
• a pain at the top of your tummy
• feeling lethargic

It’s worth noting that if have you other conditions like gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, many of these symptoms may be commonly experienced by you.

But it’s important to checked if your symptoms change or worsen, especially since those with underlying conditions like this are thought to be at risk of developing stomach cancer.

What to do if you are worried you might have stomach cancer?

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s important to get them checked over by a GP as soon as possible, because if it’s caused by cancer, spotting it early makes it more treatable.

At the GP, they may feel your stomach, ask for urine/ stool samples or order a blood test.

If they believe you condition needs further investigation, they might refer you to a specialist for more tests. If you exhibit certain symptoms, this could be an urgent referral, within two weeks.

Having any of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Consult your GP if you’re worried or check the NHS website for more information.