15/01/2025
This is ‘Less survivable cancers’ week. Raising awareness of 6 cancer types, (stomach, oesophagus, brain, liver, pancreas and lung) for which fewer than half of patients will survive 12 months from diagnosis.
Those 6 cancer types account for 50% of cancer deaths but receive only 16% of research funding, please get behind any initiatives to correct that strategic imbalance.
I have been so incredibly fortunate. My stomach cancer was discovered early, thanks to some horrible and persistent digestive symptoms *forcing* me to the GP.
My doctor red flagged it very quickly, primarily because of anemia that didn’t respond to 6 weeks of B12 injections yet there was no other sign of blood loss. I am here today only because of his timely action and my own initiative.
Outside of inherited genetic mutations (CDH1) the symptoms for stomach cancer are mostly non-specific and easily mistaken for common ailments.
The key to early identification for most people is to look for persistent symptoms and / or multiple symptoms happening together. The key to survival is then to act on them. It’s as simple as that. Please do not be the person who shows up in the emergency department wondering why there is blood in their stool or vomit.
Males over 55 are particularly affected, but it can strike at any age and any gender. Us ‘men of a certain age’ need to get over the macho stuff and listen to our bodies. We also need to listen to loved ones who notice these things in us, they need to speak up also.
The sad fact is that most stomach cancer patients die of ignore-ance. Please do not ignore or dismiss persistent symptoms in ourselves or those observed in loved ones.
To find out more about symptoms, I’ve pasted a summary list of the main symptoms below. My website / exhibition www.ogbodyshots.com outlines my own experience.
I have also added a new an AI chatbot feature I have trained on specialist stomach cancer documents, official & main charity websites and official statistics. Credible data’ not ‘dr Google’.
The AI will answer general questions on stomach cancer, but if you have specific concerns or symptoms please, please contact your doctor. In every scenario, you are better to know sooner rather than later.
Symptoms include but are not limited to:
1. **Persistent Indigestion**: While indigestion is common and often harmless, if you experience it frequently and without a clear cause, it might be worth discussing with your doctor.
2. **Feeling Full Quickly**: If you find yourself feeling full after eating only a small amount of food, it could be a sign of stomach cancer.
3. **Upper Abdominal Pain or Discomfort**: Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen can sometimes indicate a problem.
4. **Nausea and Vomiting**: Experiencing ongoing nausea or vomiting without a clear reason should be checked.
5. **Unexplained Weight Loss**: Losing weight without trying to can be a symptom of various health issues, including stomach cancer.
6. **Difficulty Swallowing**: Also known as dysphagia, this can occur if the cancer is located where the stomach meets the esophagus.
7. **Frequent Burping**: This can be a sign of digestive issues, but frequent burping with other symptoms could require further investigation.
8. **Dark or Black Stools**: This might indicate bleeding in the stomach.
Many of these symptoms can also be caused by less serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or ulcers. However, if you notice these symptoms persistently, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Early detection of stomach cancer can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment. Remember, it’s always better to be proactive about your health.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/bangor-dads-warning-others-not-30769700?utm_source=linkCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar
“After ignoring persistent symptoms, I am cancer-free today because I eventually went to the doctor. If my symptoms had faded, I would have forgotten about them until it was too late.”
