5. Loss of Appetite, Nausea, and Vomiting
A marked decrease in appetite or experiencing persistent nausea are also important warning signs. The growing tumor can physically press on the stomach or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), which can lead to a condition known as early satiety, where a person feels full after eating only a small amount of food. This external pressure can also impede the stomach’s ability to empty properly, causing food to back up and resulting in persistent feelings of nausea, indigestion, and in some cases, vomiting. Beyond the physical pressure, the cancer itself can release substances that affect the body’s metabolism and send signals to the brain that suppress the desire to eat, contributing to a general loss of appetite and a feeling of being unwell (malaise).