Main symptoms of stomach cancer
There are many possible symptoms of stomach cancer, but they might be hard to spot.
They can affect your digestion, such as:
- heartburn or acid reflux
- having problems swallowing (dysphagia)
- feeling or being sick
- symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot
- feeling full very quickly when eating
Other symptoms include:
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- a lump at the top of your tummy
- pain at the top of your tummy
- feeling tired or having no energy
- darker than usual poo
If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly.
You might find you get used to them. But it's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.
When and where to get medical help
If you have symptoms of stomach cancer, you should get advice from a health professional.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:
- problems swallowing
- a lump in your tummy
- weight loss that is not caused by changing your diet or exercise habits
- other symptoms of stomach cancer that get worse or do not get better after 3 weeks
- a condition that causes symptoms with your digestion that are not getting better after 3 weeks of using your usual treatments
Urgent advice: Get advice from 111 now if:
- you're being sick (vomiting) for more than 2 days
- you have symptoms that you're worried about, but are not sure where to get help
111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Important
These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have stomach cancer.
But it's important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.
What happens at the GP appointment
The GP may feel your tummy.
They may ask you to give a poo or pee sample, or have a blood test.
Referral to a specialist
You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.