Stomach cancer symptoms are easy to miss. This happens because most people with the condition do not show any symptoms until the cancer has advanced.
Also called gastric cancer, this cancer begins with the growth of cancerous cells in the lining of your stomach. These cells may form a tumor in the stomach lining. It often takes several years for this cancer to develop. The National Cancer Institute estimates that it accounts for 1.7 percent of new cancers in the United States. [1]
Gastric cancer is best treated in its early stages. Unfortunately, most cases of this cancer are discovered late because the early symptoms mimic other relatively benign intestinal conditions. Many people never suspect they are caused by cancer. This article will discuss common symptoms of gastric cancer to look out for.
Feeling Full or Bloated
If you have stomach cancer, you may feel full or bloated after eating even if you have only eaten very little. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, many people with stomach cancer report feeling full in the upper abdomen after eating small meals. [2]
This symptom is one of the early signs of stomach cancer. Because of its lack of specificity, many people wrongly dismiss it as a symptom of other gastrointestinal problems. If you feel full after eating small meals often, see your doctor to rule out stomach cancer.