Stomach cancer: how to recognize the first signals and protect yourself

Why is it important to know about stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world — it ranks fifth in incidence and second in mortality. According to statistics, about 60% of patients seek medical attention only in the third or fourth stage, when treatment is already more difficult and less effective.

The good news is that if the disease is detected early , the probability of a full recovery reaches 80%. That is why it is extremely important to recognize the first warning signs.

1. Which people are in the risk group?

Stomach cancer is more common in:

• Men (in a ratio of 3:2 to women).

• People over 40 years old .

• Smokers and people who abuse alcohol.

• Patients with chronic stomach diseases – gastritis, ulcers, polyps.

• Carriers of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori , which increases the risk of disease between 2 and 6 times.

Important: Heredity also plays a role. If there have been cases of stomach cancer in your family, you should be especially careful about your health.

2. Early symptoms – when should we see a doctor?

In its early stages, stomach cancer often occurs without clear signs, but there are some symptoms that should not be ignored.

Stomach complaints:

• Feeling of heaviness and bloating after eating, even with a small amount of food.

• Heartburn or belching that didn’t bother you before.

• Nausea for no apparent reason, sometimes accompanied by vomiting (which may contain traces of blood).

• Aversion to certain foods – most often meat, fish, and other protein products.

• Dull pain or burning in the upper abdomen, especially after eating.

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