The stomach is a muscular sac-like organ in the upper abdomen. It is part of the digestive system. Organs of the digestive system change food into energy and help pass waste out of the body.
Stomach Cancer often does not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. The most common symptom is a mild ache in the abdomen that feels like indigestion. Possible symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Heartburn
- Indigestion that does not go away
- Nausea and vomiting
- A bloated feeling after eating
- Change in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling very tired
Other health problems can cause some of the same symptoms. Testing is needed to make a diagnosis.
In 2020, there will be an estimated 4,200 new cases of Stomach Cancer and an estimated 1,900 Stomach Cancer deaths in Canada (Canadian Cancer Statistics, 2020).
Cancers that develop in internal organs (such as the stomach) do not usually exhibit early symptoms, and are more likely to present at a later stage. As of June 2018, 43.5% of stomach cancer cases were diagnosed at stage IV (Canadian Cancer Statistics, 2018).
Canadian Stomach Cancer Organizations
International Stomach Cancer Organizations