Throughout the year, various organizations dedicate certain months to increased efforts in raising awareness with regard to their causes. November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month, according to NoStomachForCancer.org.
According to information posted on NoStomachForCancer.org, stomach cancers are the fourth most common types of cancer in the world and are the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. An estimated 1 million new cases are diagnosed every year and more than 800,000 die as the result of stomach cancers each year worldwide. It was estimated that more than 10,000 people died in the United States in 2011 as a result of stomach cancer.
It is important to be aware of potential symptoms of this disease process so medical attention can be sought and timely rendered. Common symptoms of stomach cancer include but are not limited to:
- Unexplained weight loss;
- Loss of appetite;
- Nausea;
- Bloating;
- Vomiting, with or without blood;
- Early satiety, or feeling full from small amounts of food;
- Indigestion, heartburn, or other ulcer-like symptoms;
- Abdominal discomfort or pain, usually above the navel.
It is a healthcare professional’s responsibility to make sure they conduct the appropriate tests to consider all possible explanations for your symptoms, even if symptoms may relate to a host of varied conditions including cancer. If they fail to do so, they risk failing to diagnose a life-threatening disease.
If you or a loved one has suffered as the result of a healthcare professional’s failure to diagnose your stomach cancer, or any other type of cancer, the New Jersey failure to diagnose stomach cancer attorneys at Blume Forte can help you determine whether you may have a valid claim of negligence. To discuss your potential case with one of our lawyers, call 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.