6 hidden stomach cancer signs and how to spot them as star shares battle update

30 September 2023 , 07:00

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Indigestion and abdominal pain can be signs of cancer - but are common without cancer too (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Stomach cancer kills nearly 11,000 Americans and 4,000 Brits every year so it is vital to keep one eye on the symptoms - particularly as they can be hard to spot.

The disease has been in the news as US country music legend Toby Keith, 62, gave worried fans an update on his long battle with the illness, which he first revealed in June 2022. Keith told the Oklahoman earlier this month that everything is in a “real positive trend” and he is feeling “pretty good”.

To maximise the chances of successful treatment, it is important to try and catch the disease early. And that’s why you should get in touch with your GP if you start experiencing multiple of the following symptoms.

Indigestion

Long-lasting indigestion could be a sign of cancer according to experts. Acid from the stomach often irritates the stomach lining or throat, known as acid reflux - but it should be noted that this is common and not usually due to cancer. But the NHS recommend getting checked out if you have had indigestion most days for three weeks, as it could be a sign that cancer has spread to your abdomen.

For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US

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Toby Keith said his recovery is "positive" and he is "feeling good" (Variety via Getty Images)

Difficulty swallowing

A tumour in your stomach can also cause pain and a burning sensation when you swallow, as well as making food stick to your throat or chest. This can lead to weight loss - simply due to pain when eating. While this can also be caused by acid reflux, doctors still recommend you get any difficulty with swallowing checked by a doctor.

Weight loss

Losing weight when you are making no active steps to do so can be an indication of cancer - and with stomach cancer can often be a result of appetite loss, Cancer Research says. Other causes could be a tumour in the gastrointestinal tract, or cachexia - the change in the way the body uses proteins, carbohydrates and fat. In cancer patients, cachexia is caused by the chemicals released by tumours. Note: unintentional weight loss can also be a symptom of different types of cancer and other illnesses, such as heart or kidney disease.

Feeling sick

Sickness can be a sign of stomach cancer and comes around due to the cancer causing a blockage and making it hard to keep the food down. If this blockage stops food from going through your digestive system, it can result in sickness. There is rarely blood in vomit, according to Cancer Research, but if there is it could be a sign of fresh bleeding, according to MailOnline.

Having no energy

If you are constantly feeling tired and getting breathless, it could be down to low red blood cell numbers, according to Cancer Research. Stomach cancer can bleed into the stomach, reducing the number of red blood cells in your blood over time. With blood therefore carrying less oxygen this can lead to tiredness and weakness - and can also lead to blood in your stool.

A lump in your stomach

Lumps or pain at the top of your stomach is also a sign of stomach cancer, according to the NHS. It could be a sign that the cancer has spread to the tissue lining the abdomen - with the resultant build up of fluid making you feel bloated or your clothes feel tighter. It can make sitting and eating uncomfortable.

If you experience any of these symptoms for a long time, or if you begin to experience many of them at once, it is vital you get yourself checked out by a GP as soon as possible.

Alex Croft