Early symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer

The early symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer usually include digestive discomfort, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, etc. These symptoms are easily confused with common gastrointestinal problems, so if you find any abnormalities, you should see a doctor for professional examination as soon as possible. The following will analyze the possible early symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer in detail and provide daily self-management suggestions.

1. Abdominal pain and bloating

In the early stages of gastrointestinal cancer, unexplained abdominal pain may occur, usually manifesting as dull pain or persistent discomfort, sometimes accompanied by abdominal distension. This may be caused by the tumor compressing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract or affecting its normal peristalsis. If abdominal pain persists for a long time, especially with increasing regularity, you should be alert to the possibility of disease.

2. Persistent indigestion or nausea

Many patients will experience digestive system abnormalities such as decreased appetite and a strong sense of fullness in the early stages of the disease. This is because the tumor in the stomach gradually grows larger and interferes with the stomach's normal digestive function. Ordinary indigestion usually improves with medication or dietary adjustments, but nausea and acid reflux caused by gastric cancer are often difficult to relieve.

3. Weight loss and fatigue

If you have recently experienced rapid weight loss without any reason and are accompanied by fatigue and weakness, you should pay attention to this. Such symptoms usually indicate the presence of a tumor, because a malignant tumor consumes too much energy or affects normal nutrient absorption.

4. Changes in bowel habits

In the early stages of gastrointestinal cancer, it may also manifest as alternating long-term constipation or diarrhea, or mucus or even blood in the stool. These symptoms may indicate that the stomach or intestines have been disturbed by lesions, and you should go to the hospital for a colonoscopy or gastroscopy immediately.

5. Continuous feeling of pressure in the stomach

Some patients may experience persistent stomach pain or a foreign body sensation in the early stages of the disease, which is caused by the tumor gradually occupying the stomach. If the symptoms worsen or progress, you should seek medical evaluation and treatment quickly.

Daily management advice for increased vigilance

1. Regular screening

For people with a family history of cancer or those over 50 years old, annual gastroscopy and colonoscopy are effective ways to detect gastrointestinal cancer early. High-risk groups, such as those with digestive tract diseases, need regular monitoring.

2. Diet adjustment

Avoid overeating and high-salt, high-fat diets, increase the intake of fruits and vegetables rich in plant fiber, and control the amount of tobacco and alcohol consumed every day. These changes can effectively reduce the risk of stomach cancer and intestinal cancer.

3. Pay attention to body signals

Do not ignore any unusual digestive tract symptoms, even if they seem minor. If discomfort persists for more than 2 weeks, seek medical help immediately.

If you have early symptoms similar to gastrointestinal cancer, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible for relevant examinations such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy or blood tumor marker testing, which can improve the success rate of disease treatment and survival rate. A healthy lifestyle and regular physical examinations can also help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancer. Pay attention to body signals reasonably, and health requires long-term management.