Key sign when eating that you should never ignore – it may be stomach cancer

There are ten main symptoms of stomach cancer, with five key symptoms and five secondary symptoms that may indicate that something is wrong. The first of the main symptoms is one you will experience whilst eating. Known as dysphagia, it means you may have problems swallowing your food e.g., food sticking to the roof of your mouth as you try to swallow it. The second of these main symptoms is heartburn or acid reflux.

Alongside these five symptoms, there are five secondary symptoms to look out for if you think you have a selection of the symptoms already mentioned.

Alongside feeling full very quickly whilst eating, you might experience alongside this a prolonged loss of appetite.

This might be combined with unexplained weight loss that may occur before or after the loss of appetite.

According to the NHS, unintentional weight loss will be a cause for concern if it is more than five percent of your weight over a six-to-twelve-month period.

The final secondary symptom of stomach cancer is a pain at the top of your stomach area.

The main risk factors associated with stomach cancer are age with men over fifty the most likely to be diagnosed with the condition.

Furthermore, you’re more likely to get stomach cancer if you have other conditions such as long-term acid reflux, gastritis.

If you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has had stomach cancer, this will also increase your risk.