By Dr Ranveer Singh Rana, Consultant- Surgical Oncology
We have all felt that familiar ache of indigestion or a burning sensation after a wholesome meal, and most of us brush it off with an antacid or a quick home remedy, assuming it’s just a harmless hiccup in our busy lives. For our closed ones, this casual dismissal can be dangerous. The early, subtle signs of stomach cancer often masquerade as ordinary discomfort, so they are tragically missed until the disease is advanced.
Currently, in India where many cases are diagnosed only at later stages, this is pressing issue. Learning to heed our body’s warnings is our strongest defense.
Why Indigestion Turns Persistent
Indigestion becomes persistent when something disrupts the normal function of the stomach. In many Indians, everyday habits play a major role, irregular meals, late-night eating, low fibre intake, smoking, long-term acidity, food with more salt content like pickles or preserved foods.
While these are common, persistent indigestion that lasts beyond a few weeks might be the body’s way of signalling that the stomach lining is under stress.
Doctors often observe that early stomach cancer affects digestion before causing any major visible symptom. The cancer may start as tiny changes in the inner lining of the stomach. These changes slow down digestion, reduce appetite, and create a constant feeling of fullness. Because the symptoms appear mild, they are usually brushed aside as acidity or gastritis.
Early Signs We Often Miss
Some early symptoms that should not be ignored include:
1. Long-lasting indigestion – Persistent indigestion is one of the first signs doctors look at while screening for stomach-related diseases.
2. Feeling full after eating very little – Families often think this is because of stress or irregular eating patterns.
3. Unexplained nausea or bloating – Constant nausea or bloating without any clear reason can be the result of changes in the stomach lining.
4. Sudden dislike for foods once enjoyed – Many patients lose interest in foods they loved, especially meat or spicy dishes.
5. Tiredness that has no clear cause – The body works harder to digest food when the stomach isn’t functioning well. This leads to early fatigue, even after light activity.
None of these symptoms alone confirm cancer, but when several appear together and continue for weeks, they should be checked.
Getting the Right Diagnosis
Doctors typically begin with a basic evaluation, listening to symptoms, checking the abdomen, and advising simple tests. If symptoms continue, they may recommend an endoscopy. This procedure helps them see inside the stomach and identify any changes in the lining.
Endoscopy is quick, safe, and one of the most reliable ways to detect stomach cancer early. Yet many families hesitate because of fear, cost concerns, or the belief that symptoms are “not serious enough.” What we must remember is that a few minutes of discomfort can prevent years of suffering.
Prevention Starts at Home
While not all cases of stomach cancer are preventable, simple daily habits can protect the digestive system:
· Eating fresh, home-cooked meals
· Reducing very salty or preserved foods
· Avoiding tobacco
· Limiting fried and spicy dishes
· Eating dinner early
· Drinking enough water
· Managing stress with small daily routines
The Path to Hope: Early Action is Key
The prognosis for stomach cancer is strongly tied to the stage at which it is found. This is where you, the reader and caregiver, hold the greatest power.
If the persistent symptoms like indigestion, fullness, or pain last for more than a few weeks or worsen over time, it is vital to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation, which may include a simple endoscopy. This procedure allows doctors to view the stomach lining directly and take small samples for testing, leading to a timely and accurate diagnosis.
Do not allow the familiarity of common digestive problems to breed complacency. Be an active advocate for your health and the health of your loved ones. The simple step of seeking medical advice for a persistent ache could be the difference between a simple treatment and a difficult battle. Prioritise the clear, reassuring voice of a professional over a self-diagnosis.
