Stomach cancer occurs when a malignant tumor develops in the stomach lining. The stomach's function is to break down and digest food. Stomach cancer can occur in any part of the stomach but is treatable if detected and diagnosed early. The disease can present with characteristic symptoms in the morning.

Stomach pain or discomfort is one of the earliest signs of the disease. Patients often wake up with a dull or persistent ache, a burning sensation in the upper abdomen. Sometimes this pain can resemble indigestion or heartburn, but it doesn't subside with usual remedies like dietary changes. The pain occurs because the malignant tumor irritates the stomach lining. In the morning, when the stomach is empty, this discomfort can be more pronounced. If you notice persistent stomach pain every morning lasting for several weeks, consult a specialist.

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of many stomach ailments. However, frequent occurrence in the morning may be a warning sign of stomach cancer. This is because the tumor can block or slow down the movement of food, causing a feeling of fullness and nausea. Morning vomiting is also linked to the accumulation of acid in the stomach overnight. Vomiting blood or noticing dark, coffee-ground-like vomit warrants immediate medical attention.

Loss of appetite in the morning or feeling full very quickly after eating only a small amount (vomiting after eating) can also be caused by stomach cancer. The tumor affects how the stomach digests food, making patients feel full faster than usual.

Unexplained weight loss is another symptom. Cancer affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Many people with cancer experience weight loss and weakness, especially in the early morning when they are hungry. Waking up feeling weak and tired, noticing looser clothes, and losing weight without dieting can be a sign of several types of cancer, including stomach cancer.

Blood in the stool or black stool is another important sign to watch out for. This symptom is more noticeable in the morning during the first bowel movement. The cause is internal bleeding from the tumor in the stomach. Sometimes, this bleeding is not visible to the naked eye, but it can cause the stool to turn black. Therefore, patients should not ignore these important warning signs.

Bao Bao (Times of India)