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Warning-sign checks

Stomach cancer: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help for vomiting blood, black tar-like stools with weakness or dizziness, fainting, severe sudden abdominal pain, or an inability to keep fluids down.

    These can indicate major bleeding, a blockage, dehydration, or a hole in the stomach or bowel.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical assessment if you have:

    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Difficulty or pain when swallowing
    • Repeated vomiting
    • Ongoing unusual tiredness, weakness, or shortness of breath
    • Symptoms that continue despite usual indigestion treatment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
    • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have persistent or worsening indigestion, upper abdominal pain, reduced appetite, repeated nausea, or a new tendency to feel full quickly.

    If you have been treated for stomach cancer, contact your cancer team between routine appointments if symptoms return, new symptoms persist, or treatment side effects are difficult to manage.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Stomach cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.