The stomach is a very important digestive organ in our body. The nutrients that the human body needs every day are obtained from the foods we eat. The stomach is an important organ in the body that stores food and has the main digestive function. But now an upset stomach has become a common problem for modern people.
According to global data in 2020, stomach cancer ranks 5th among common cancers with more than 1 million new cases, and ranks 4th in mortality due to malignancy with 770,000 cases.
If we have any of these 4 feelings after a meal, it is best not to ignore them but go to the hospital for examination promptly to prevent the occurrence of stomach cancer.
1. Frequent bloating
Maybe many people will experience this condition after eating, meaning they feel very full in the stomach. Sometimes you don’t feel hungry even if you don’t eat anything and you will feel full if you eat even a little. Many people may mistake this phenomenon as indigestion and ignore it.
General surgeon Daniel Joyce (USA) said your stomach may feel full and tense. “Stomach cancer can cause your stomach wall to become stiffer and reduce its ability to store food. In cases where stomach cancer spreads to the lining of the abdomen, it can cause a buildup of fluid in your abdominal cavity.
It can lead to bloating and gas to the point where you look like you’re 9 months pregnant. “You may only eat 20% of what you normally eat,” Dr. Joyce explains.
2. Heartburn
Indigestion is a common phenomenon that happens to many people. If food is difficult to digest or eating unhealthy can cause heartburn, causing us to feel a burning sensation in the chest and upper abdomen. This is because too much stomach acid enters the esophagus, which we commonly refer to as heartburn. If accompanied by frequent hiccups, it is best to go to the hospital to have your stomach health checked.
“If there is a large cancerous growth at the exit point of the stomach, fluid can accumulate and the path of least resistance can be back into the food pipe/esophagus,” says Dr. Joyce.
3. Nausea and vomiting
When we eat spoiled food or eat incompatible foods, we are very susceptible to food poisoning, causing nausea and vomiting. This phenomenon is due to gastrointestinal obstruction.
Nevertheless, if this condition occurs regularly without an apparent cause, it is advisable not to postpone seeking medical attention. Going to the hospital promptly is the optimal choice in such situations.
The food you eat and the liquids you drink cannot reach the duodenum, the first part of the intestine, when stomach cancer is in the way. “When you eat food, it has nowhere to go,” says Dr. Joyce. That sends signals to your brain and causes nausea.”
4. Black stools or blood in stools and vomit
Stool can evaluate the health of our body. If black stool appears when defecating, it can also be a sign of stomach cancer. Because malignant tumors in the stomach can cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or small intestine, the stool will be black.
This symptom is less common but can occur if you lose a lot of blood. You may notice your stools turn a very dark color, known as black stools. “If the bleeding is very slow, you may not notice anything in your stool,” says Dr. Joyce.
