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Know The Signs

What everyone should know.

Esophageal and gastric cancers often cause no obvious symptoms in their early stages, which is exactly why awareness matters. If something feels off, it's worth a conversation with your doctor. These are the signs, the risks, and the reason early detection changes everything.

One

Common symptoms

Early on, these cancers often cause nothing you would notice. These are the signs worth raising with a doctor, particularly if they persist.

Esophageal

  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing
  • Chest pressure or discomfort
  • Chronic cough or hoarseness

Gastric

  • Feeling full after only a small meal
  • Poor appetite or nausea
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort

Both

  • Persistent heartburn or indigestion
  • Unexplained weight loss
Two

Risk factors

Risk is not destiny. Having one of these does not mean you will develop cancer, but it does make the conversation worth having sooner.

Esophageal

  • Long-term acid reflux (GERD)
  • Barrett's esophagus

Gastric

  • H. pylori infection
  • Diets high in salted, smoked, or processed foods
  • Chronic gastritis or previous stomach surgery

Both

  • Smoking and heavy alcohol use
  • Excess body weight
  • Older age, and more common in men
Three

Why early detection matters

Caught early, these cancers are far more treatable. Caught late, the odds drop sharply. Talking to a doctor about persistent symptoms can change everything. It is the single reason this Foundation exists.

Esophageal

49%survive five years
when caught early
5%once it has spread

Gastric

78%survive five years
when caught early
8%once it has spread

Help fund detection

Symptoms and risk factors above are drawn from the American Cancer Society (esophageal and stomach cancer). Survival figures are from NCI SEER (esophageal, gastric; SEER 21, 2016–2022). Many of these symptoms have causes other than cancer. This information is for general awareness only and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please speak with a qualified healthcare provider.