The causes
The exact causes of cancer of the stomach are still unknown
It is more common in men, particularly those in late middle age, than for women
Diet: consumption of high-salted, picked and smoked food can increase the risk
People who have pernicious anaemia (a vitamin deficiency), stomach polyps and Helicobacter pylori infection (a bacterial stomach infection)
Stomach cancer is also more common in people with a high risk of colorectal cancer
Smokers have higher risk than non-smokers
Family history: people with close relatives having stomach cancer have twice the risk of getting stomach cancer
The symptoms
Persistent indigestion
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
A bloated feeling after eating
Vomiting, (including blood)
Blood in the stools (bowel motion) or black stools
Swelling of lower abdomen
Anemia, fatigue and weakness
If you have any of the above symptoms you must have them checked by your doctor but remember, they are common to many conditions other than stomach cancer. Most people with these symptoms will not have cancer.
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