Stomach cancer begins with the abnormal growth of a few cells, gradually progressing into cancerous lesions over several months or years. In its early stages, stomach cancer often presents no specific symptoms or only mild digestive issues, which are easily mistaken for benign conditions like gastritis.

In Vietnam, stomach cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The high mortality rate is primarily due to most cases being detected at advanced stages, when symptoms have become pronounced.

Dr. Diep consults a patient. *Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Stomach cancer symptoms vary depending on the disease stage and lesion location. Early-stage patients often experience digestive disturbances like difficulty swallowing, belching, sour stomach, or heartburn. They may also have dull, non-cyclical pain, pain when hungry, or discomfort below the breastbone after eating.

As the disease progresses, common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, frequent heartburn, persistent bloating, feeling full quickly after eating small amounts, and loss of appetite. Patients may develop more severe pain, pass bloody or black stools, experience jaundice, or suffer from anemia due to stomach bleeding. Other potential symptoms are unexplained sudden weight loss, blurred vision, dizziness, and chronic fatigue.

Abdominal pain can be a sign of stomach cancer. *Photo: Phan Phan*

Since you discovered the cancer before symptoms appeared, it is likely in an early stage. Adhering to treatment offers the best chance for a good outcome.

Everyone should undergo an annual health check-up. Individuals over 50 years old should consider stomach cancer screening via endoscopy every two to three years. Those with risk factors, such as a history of polyps, pernicious anemia, or a family history of genetic syndromes like: familial adenomatous polyposis, Lynch syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, should consult a doctor for personalized screening recommendations.

Upon experiencing any signs of stomach cancer, patients should seek examination, diagnosis, and timely treatment at a reputable hospital. When detected in its early stages, stomach cancer has a good prognosis and a high chance of successful treatment.

Dr. Kim Thi Be Diep

Oncology Department, Oncology Center

Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City