Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Early on, stomach cancer (gastric cancer) might not cause symptoms. But it’s important to know what to look for and when to see a doctor.

Common symptoms of stomach cancer

When stomach cancer does cause signs and symptoms, they can include:

• Poor appetite
• Weight loss (without trying)
• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel
• Feeling full after eating only a small meal
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting, with or without blood
• Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
• Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black
• Feeling tired or weak, as a result of having too few red blood cells (anemia)
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), if the cancer spreads to the liver

What to do if you have symptoms

Most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by things other than stomach cancer. Still, if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they don’t go away or get worse, have them checked by a doctor so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

Learn more about the exams and tests doctors use when people have stomach cancer symptoms.