Stomach cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. It can be slow growing and difficult to detect. Often, stomach cancer is not diagnosed until it is in its advanced stages.
The most common symptoms of stomach cancer are:
- indigestion or heartburn (also known as dyspepsia), especially if it is getting worse
- difficult or painful swallowing, or a feeling of choking when swallowing – this is called dysphagia
- feeling full or bloated after eating only a small amount
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting, with or without blood
- black or bloody stools
- pain in the upper abdomen, especially when eating
- a swollen abdomen caused by a build-up of fluid (ascites)
- unexplained weight loss
- unusual tiredness
- anaemia.
There are other conditions that may cause these symptoms, not just stomach cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you discuss them with a doctor.
