Symptoms of stomach cancer in females are the same as those in males. Symptoms do not always develop. When they do, they can include abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and more.

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, starts in the cells of the stomach. There are several different types based on the cells it starts in and the location within the stomach where the cancer occurs.

Stomach cancer can cause symptoms to develop in anyone, particularly in later stages.

Understanding what symptoms to look out for and contacting a doctor as soon as a person has any concerns can help with receiving an accurate diagnosis as early as possible.

Read on to learn more about symptoms of stomach cancer in females, who is more likely to get stomach cancer, and more.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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No evidence suggests that females have different symptoms of stomach cancer compared with males.

A person’s sex may affect the type or severity of the condition.

For example, males are more likely to have upper gastric cancer, according to a 2023 article that looked at cases of stomach cancer in people ages 75 years and older. They are also more likely to experience complications after surgery.

However, the symptoms of stomach cancer do not usually differ based on a person’s sex.

Stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. This means that diagnosis typically happens when the condition is in an advanced stage, as the tumor can cause symptoms to develop as it grows larger.

The most common symptoms tend to be nonspecific. This means that they may occur due to any number of underlying conditions.

Symptoms can include:

It is important to contact a doctor as soon as a person has concerns about stomach cancer. While there are many possible causes for these symptoms, receiving a diagnosis as early as possible may help improve someone’s outlook.

Learn more about symptoms of stomach cancer and early detection.

Anybody can get stomach cancer. However, males are around two times more likely to get stomach cancer than females.

Other factors that may increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer include:

Genetics may also play a role in the development of stomach cancer. It is best to contact a doctor for advice if an individual has concerns about the genetic risk or other factors that may increase the likelihood of stomach cancer.

Learn more about risk factors for stomach cancer.

Screening for stomach cancer is not routine in the United States. Most people will present with nonspecific symptoms before diagnosis.

When unusual symptoms present, such as persistent abdominal pain or vomiting blood, it is important to contact a doctor. The doctor may order tests to determine the underlying cause.

The following sections provide answers to some frequently asked questions about stomach cancer.

What are the first stomach cancer symptoms?

Symptoms for stomach cancer typically start once the tumor grows large enough. When symptoms do appear, an individual may notice unexplained weight loss, a feeling of being full quickly during meals, or abdominal pain that does not seem to go away.

Does stomach cancer spread fast?

Stomach cancers are usually slow growing. The tumor will typically increase in size over several years and only start to cause symptoms either once the tumor is very large or when it spreads beyond the stomach (metastasized).

How long can stomach cancer go undetected?

Doctors do not regularly screen for stomach cancer in the United States. This leads to people not discovering it until the tumor is very large or spread beyond the stomach. This can take years.

A person will then start to develop symptoms that do not necessarily indicate stomach cancer. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of an individual’s symptoms.

Is stomach cancer curable if caught early?

If a healthcare professional finds stomach cancer early, treatments may cure the condition. However, most people do not receive a diagnosis until the later stages, at which point it is harder to cure.

Learn about stomach cancer survival rates.

Symptoms of stomach cancer in females are the same as those in males. A person may not notice any symptoms in the beginning.

As the cancer advances, it may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

It is best to contact a doctor as soon as an individual has concerns about the symptoms of stomach cancer. There are many possible causes for these symptoms, and the doctor can help determine the underlying cause.

If cancer is present, they can advise on a suitable treatment plan and ways to manage symptoms.