Stomach cancer usually begins in the mucus-producing cells that line the stomach. Unfortunately, as the early symptoms of stomach cancer are similar to those of many other conditions, the cancer is often advanced by the time it’s diagnosed. It is therefore vital a person alerts their GP to any possible symptoms of stomach cancer as soon as possible. There are a number of warning signs associated with eating.
Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods
NHS Stomach cancer symptoms: The eating habits that could signal the deadly condition
According to the NHS, the following changes to one’s eating habit may signal the deadly condition:
- Feeling full very quickly when eating
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
As the health site explained, some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or liquids, while others can’t swallow at all.
Difficulty swelling can manifest itself in the following ways:
- Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
- Bringing food back up, sometimes through the nose
- A sensation that food is stuck in a person’s throat or chest
- Persistent drooling of saliva
- Being unable to chew food properly
- A ‘gurgly’ wet sounding voice when eating or drinking
A person might also experience pain or a burning sensation when they swallow, noted Cancer Research UK.
The NHS advises a person contacts their GP if they have difficulty swallowing. “This isn’t a common symptom among the general population and the cause should always be investigated,” noted the health body.
Other early symptoms of stomach cancer include:
- Persistent indigestion
- Trapped wind and frequent burping
- Heartburn
- Feeling sick
- Pain in a person’s stomach or breastbone
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Vomiting (the vomit may be streaked with blood), although this is uncommon in the early stages
Stomach cancer risk factors
The exact cause of stomach cancer is still unclear. Certain factors risk can increase a person’s chances of developing it, however.
According to Macmillan Cancer UK, a diet low in fresh fruit and vegetables or high in salt can increase the risk of stomach cancer. “Eating a lot of processed meats and foods that are smoked or pickled can also increase risk,” warned the charity.
Salt is a particularly grave risk factor. According to Cancer Research UK, it causes around one in four stomach cancers.
Adults should aim to have no more than 6g of salt a day. This is around one teaspoon. In the UK, most people eat more than this, notes Cancer Research UK.
“Most of the salt we eat is in the everyday foods such as bread, cereals and ready meals,” the health site explained.
As Macmillan Cancer UK explains, other risk factors include:
- Gender – Stomach cancer is more common in men.
- Age – 95 percent of people who develop stomach cancer are over 50 years old.
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – This common stomach infection can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer if it’s present over a long time.
- Diet – Not enough fruit and vegetables, and a diet high in processed meats or smoked foods can increase risk.
- Smoking – The longer a person smokes for and the more cigarettes they smoke, the greater the risk.
- Being overweight can increase the risk of certain stomach cancers.
- Stomach conditions – Long-term acid reflux or conditions which cause changes to the stomach lining may increase risk. If part of the stomach is removed during surgery for another condition (such as an ulcer), this can also increase risk.
- Family history – If a family member has stomach cancer, you might have a slightly higher risk.
- Genes – A very small number of families may have an inherited cancer gene that can increase risk.
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