What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer or adenocarcinoma, is cancer that begins formation in the inner lining of the stomach. While it is less common in the United States, it is often found in people in Asia, South America, eastern and central Europe. This may be because of a saltier diet or a diet high in pickled or smoked foods. Other risk factors for developing stomach cancer include:
You may also be more at risk if you smoke, are overweight or obese, or if you work or have worked in the coal, metal, timber or rubber industries.
Symptoms of stomach cancer
People with stomach cancer may or may not have symptoms at first. Certain early symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, such as:
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
Because these symptoms are common to many conditions, stomach cancer may go unrecognized at first.
As the condition worsens, you may have symptoms such as:
- Bloody stool
- Stomach pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
- Weakness