Cancer is a disease that plagues many. According to the American Cancer Society, 608,570 people died from cancer in 2021. One cancer, in particular, abdominal cancer, is especially deadly if left undetected. Here are some signs that you should get checked for abdominal cancer.
1. Abdominal Pain
One of the most common signs of abdominal cancer is abdominal pain. This can manifest as a dull ache, sharp pain, or cramping. The pain may come and go, or it could be constant. If you are experiencing abdominal pain, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you are losing weight without trying, it could be a sign of abdominal cancer. Be cautious if you are losing weight rapidly or if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight.
3. Changes in Bowel Habits
A change in your bowel habits includes changes in frequency, consistency, or both. For example, you may find that you have more bowel movements than normal, or that your stool is thinner than normal.
4. Feeling Full Quickly
A tumor may block part of the stomach, making you feel full quickly when you eat. This fullness is known as early satiety. You may fill full after only eating a small amount of food.
5. Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting may be caused by a blockage in the stomach or intestines. You may feel nauseous all the time, or you may only feel it after eating. Vomiting may also occur even if you have not eaten recently.
6. Blood in the Stool
Watch out for blood in the stool after a bowel movement. The blood may be fresh, or it may be old and dark. You may also notice black stools. A black stool means that the blood has been in the intestine for a while and has turned black.
7. Abdominal Swelling
Your abdomen may feel full or bloated due to abdominal cancer. A tumor may be blocking part of the intestine, preventing gas or stool from passing through. As a result, you may feel like you need to pass gas or have a bowel movement even if you’ve already gone.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor so that they can rule out abdominal cancer. Early detection is key to a successful outcome. Give our cancer treatment center in Scottsdale a call today.
