A common early stomach cancer signs is a burning abdominal pain. Since the vast majority of stomach cancers are of one type, the detection of stomach cancer should always occur in relatively early stages.

However, this is not always the case. This is due to the symptom being very similar to peptic ulcer signs. The cancer may go misdiagnosed for a time before testing and a proper diagnosis is made.

Another common stomach tumor symptom is the feeling of fullness after eating even a relatively small meal.

Causes of stomach cancer include a combination of heredity (the genes inherited from your parents) and environmental factors such as smoking or diet are  thought to play a part.

Fresh vegetables, vitamin C and frozen food all appear to reduce the risk of stomach cancer.   Food that have been charred, smoked, pickled or salted appear to increase the risk.

Other risk factors that have been suggested include being blood group A and having the bacteria Helicobacter pylori in the stomach.

Stomach cancer is more common in men than women, and has its peak age range between 40 and 60 years old.

Stomach cancer signs:

• burning abdominal pain
• easily feel full after eating, even after a small meal
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• weakness
• light-headedness
• vomiting of blood
• feces is black and tar-like
• in advanced cases a mass may be felt in the abdomen

Unfortunately, the prognosis for stomach cancer is poor. Fewer than 1 of every 5 individuals diagnosed live beyond 5 years. The cancer tends to spread relatively quickly from the stomach to other areas versus other cancers.

Removal of the tumor offers the only chance for a cure and most often is the best stomach cancer treatment.  This may involve the removal of portions of the stomach, depending on the penetration of the cancer into the stomach wall. The entire stomach and surrounding lymph nodes may have to be removed.

If not curative, the surgical intervention does also help to alleviate stomach tumor symptoms, including resumption of food intake.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy effectiveness is often poor.

As with all cancers, early detection and treatment is key for increased rates of prolonged survival.