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A persistent reduction in appetite can occur with stomach cancer. Unintentional weight loss is another symptom that deserves attention, particularly when there has been no deliberate change in diet or exercise.
Weight loss has many possible explanations, including infections, digestive disorders, thyroid problems, medications, and other illnesses. Nevertheless, unexplained weight loss should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than attributed automatically to stress or aging.
4. Nausea, Vomiting, or Abdominal Pain
Stomach cancer can sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. In more advanced cases, vomiting may contain blood, and abdominal symptoms can become more pronounced. (Cancer.org)
Vomiting blood requires prompt medical assessment because it can indicate bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract.
5. Dark or Bloody Stools
Bleeding from the stomach or upper digestive tract can sometimes cause stools to appear dark, black, or tar-like. Blood in the stool is another potential warning sign associated with stomach cancer. (Cancer.org)
However, changes in stool color can also have less serious explanations, including certain foods and medications. A healthcare professional can determine whether testing is appropriate.
6. Persistent Fatigue or Weakness
Unexplained tiredness or weakness can sometimes occur when stomach cancer causes chronic bleeding and anemia. The American Cancer Society includes fatigue and weakness among possible symptoms. (Cancer.org)
Fatigue is extremely common and is usually caused by conditions other than cancer, but persistent or unexplained exhaustion warrants attention, especially when combined with other symptoms.