Feeling unwell, lack of energy, and loss of appetite are not usually signs of anything sinister.
However, they can all be warning signs of stomach cancer.
The difficult-to-detect disease kills around 4,000 Britons each year and around 11,000 in the United States.
American country singer Toby Keith, who suffers from the disease, last night gave an update on his battle with the disease.
The 62-year-old thanked the “almighty for allowing me to be here tonight” during his acceptance speech for the first-ever Country Music Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards.
Here, MailOnline shares six little-known warning signs of stomach cancer.
As shown above, having no energy, unintentional weight loss, constant indigestion, difficulty swallowing, feeling unwell, and a lump in the upper abdomen are warning signs and symptoms of stomach cancer.
It comes after American country singer Toby Keith, who suffers from the disease, last night gave an update on his battle with the disease. The 62-year-old thanked the “almighty for allowing me to be here tonight” during his acceptance speech for the first-ever Country Music Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards.
Indigestion
Indigestion usually goes away on its own.
But if you find it’s long-lasting, it may be a sign of cancer, experts say.
It is often caused by stomach acid irritating the lining of the stomach or throat, called acid reflux.
This is common and usually not caused by cancer; Certain foods and drinks, stress or medications often act as triggers.
But it can also be a sign that the cancer has spread to the tissue lining the abdomen, which can cause a build-up of fluid, says Cancer Research UK.
The NHS recommends seeing your doctor if you have had heartburn most days for three weeks or more.
without having energy
Feeling tired all the time and being out of breath could be a warning sign of stomach cancer.
This is because fatigue can be caused by low levels of red blood cells, according to Cancer Research.
Early and advanced stomach cancer can bleed into the stomach, reducing the number of red blood cells in the blood over time.
This can make sufferers feel tired, weak and short of breath because their blood carries less oxygen. It can also cause the passage of blood in the stool, which may appear darker and almost black.
A lack of red blood cells can also cause pale skin and heart palpitations, according to the NHS.
Weightloss
Losing weight when you’re not trying is a common sign of cancer.
In the case of stomach cancer, this could be due to several reasons, including loss of appetite and feeling full after eating only small amounts, according to Cancer Research.
This can be caused by a tumor in or around parts of the gastrointestinal tract, says the American Cancer Society.
Or it could be caused by cachexia: changes in the way the body uses proteins, carbohydrates and fats, leading to loss of fat and muscle due to serious illness.
In cancer patients, doctors believe cachexia is caused by chemicals released by tumors.
But unintentional weight loss is a common symptom of many different types of cancer.
And it can occur in the advanced stages of other diseases, such as heart and kidney disease, as well as HIV.
Along with cancer, it can occur in the advanced stages of diseases, such as heart and kidney disease, as well as HIV. Scientists do not fully understand the mechanisms behind cachexia
difficulty to swallow
Stomach cancer can cause difficulty swallowing.
A tumor in or around the stomach may cause pain and a burning sensation when swallowing.
It can also cause food to stick to the throat or chest, according to Cancer Research UK.
Difficulty swallowing can also lead to weight loss, simply because you can’t eat enough.
Although other conditions, such as acid reflux, can cause these symptoms, experts urge people who have difficulty swallowing to see a doctor.
Feeling sick
Feeling and being sick can be caused by many illnesses, but it is also a warning sign of stomach cancer.
Cancer can cause a blockage in the stomach that makes it difficult to keep food down, says Cancer Research.
This blockage prevents food from passing through the digestive system, which can cause discomfort.
The cancer charity says that although there is rarely blood in vomit, if it is red it could be a sign of recent bleeding.
But if it’s dark brown, “like used coffee grounds,” it could mean the blood has been in the stomach for a while, experts say.
Stomach cancer can cause a blockage in the stomach that makes it difficult to keep food down, says Cancer Research. The blockage prevents food from passing through the digestive system, which can cause discomfort.
A lump on top of your belly
A lump or pain in the upper belly is a sign of stomach cancer, the NHS warns.
This pain or lump could be a sign that cancer has spread to the tissue lining the abdomen.
The resulting buildup of fluid in the lining of the abdomen, called ascites, may make you feel bloated or feel tight in clothing.
The lump or swelling can make it uncomfortable to sit, move, and eat, which can cause loss of appetite.
