Oncologist Natalya Pashchenko has warned about symptoms that may indicate the development of stomach cancer.
According to Pashchenko, the symptoms of stomach cancer are often similar to those of ulcers and gastritis, including abdominal pain during or after eating and unpleasant or sour-smelling belching. These symptoms are frequently accompanied by unexplained weight loss, the doctor noted.
She also emphasized that people with stomach cancer may experience gastrointestinal bleeding, which can manifest as vomiting resembling coffee grounds and black, tar-like stools—both of which are serious warning signs.
The oncologist explained that stomach cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 50 to 59, although it can also develop at a younger age. Among the main risk factors, she listed smoking, irregular eating habits, overeating, and excessive consumption of salty, spicy foods and animal fats.
Pashchenko added that stomach cancer is a serious disease that often requires partial or complete removal of the stomach. However, if detected at an early stage, the chances of full recovery are significantly higher. Moreover, modern surgical techniques allow patients to maintain a high quality of life after surgery, she concluded.
