Symptoms of Early-stage Stomach Cancer are Hard to Spot: Don’t Ignore Your Abdominal Discomfort

Stomach cancer (gastric cancer) is one of the top 10 cancer killers in Hong Kong. The stomach is part of the digestive system and is responsible for releasing gastric juice to help digest food and transferring it to the intestines to continue the digestion process. Stomach cancer is a degeneration of gastric cells which develop into a malignant tumour. However, when the gastric cells deteriorate, the symptoms can be confusing. The following are common symptoms of stomach cancer, which are very similar to those of other stomach diseases, and some people may not have any symptoms in the early stages:

Mild nausea

Loss of appetite

Having problems swallowing

Feeling full after eating only a small meal

Persistent swelling in the abdomen

Persistent indigestion

Burping a lot

Heartburn or acid reflux

Vague discomfort in the abdomen

Pain at the top of your tummy

Vomiting

Spitting blood

Dark sticky stool

Black stool

Feeling tired or weak

Weight loss (without trying)

The above symptoms are similar to those of gastric diseases such as gastritis, gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers, and because they may occur intermittently, they can be easily overlooked. When you reach the mid to late stage of stomach cancer, you may experience the following symptoms:

Significant weight loss

Uncontrollable vomiting

Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)

Having problems swallowing

fluid build-up or lumps in the abdomen

Regular stomach check-ups for early treatment

There are two common diagnostic methods for gastric cancer. The first is gastroscopy, which can be performed on the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. The doctor may take a sample of stomach tissue via the gastroscope for further testing.

The second type of examination is imaging, which uses computerised tomography (CT Scan), positron emission tomography (PET Scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI Scan). It can effectively track early-stage cancer cells and determine the size, number and location of tumours and whether they have metastasised or spread. The average age of onset of stomach cancer is 68. If you suspect that you or a family member has stomach cancer, you can subsidise the screening through the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme. Understand your stomach health and take advantage of the prime time for treatment.