When “It’s Just Stress” Isn’t: How One Woman’s Story Could Help You Catch Stomach Cancer Earlier
When “It’s Just Stress” Isn’t: What Carla’s Story Teaches Us About Stomach Cancer Warning Signs
For months, 51-year-old Carla Louro from Sayreville felt her body changing in ways she couldn’t explain. She was full after just a few bites of food, dropping weight without trying, and exhausted no matter how much she rested. Each time she asked for help, she heard a familiar refrain: “It’s just stress.” It wasn’t. A single test — an endoscopy — finally revealed the devastating truth: advanced gastric (stomach) cancer.
Carla’s story is heartbreaking, but it’s also deeply valuable. It shines a light on how easily serious symptoms can be dismissed — by others and sometimes by ourselves — and how crucial it is to listen when your body keeps whispering, then shouting, that something is wrong.
This guide will walk you through:
- Common early signs of stomach cancer — and how easily they’re mistaken for stress or indigestion
- When to ask for further testing like an endoscopy
- How to advocate for yourself in medical appointments
- Practical steps to protect your digestive health and lower risk
The Problem: When Serious Symptoms Are Brushed Off as “Stress”
Feeling tired, losing your appetite, or dropping a few pounds can seem like just part of a busy, stressful life. Many of us are used to “pushing through” and putting our health last, especially if we’re caring for kids, aging parents, or juggling demanding jobs.
“I kept being told it was stress. Deep down, I knew something was off, but I started to doubt myself.” — Summary of what many patients like Carla report
Studies consistently show that women, people of color, and younger patients are more likely to have their symptoms attributed to anxiety or stress before serious conditions are fully ruled out. This doesn’t mean every doctor visit will go wrong — far from it — but it does highlight why self-advocacy is so important.
The tricky part? The early signs of gastric cancer often are vague:
- Mild nausea or indigestion
- Feeling uncomfortably full after a small amount of food
- Fatigue that’s out of proportion to your routine
- Unexplained weight loss
On their own, these don’t automatically mean cancer. But when they persist, worsen, or just don’t feel like your “normal,” they deserve attention — not dismissal.
Early Warning Signs of Gastric Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
Gastric cancer is more treatable when found early, but early-stage disease often causes subtle symptoms. According to organizations like the American Cancer Society , common signs include:
-
Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
You feel full after just a few bites or a small snack, even though you used to eat a full meal comfortably. -
Unexplained weight loss
Weight drops without purposeful diet or exercise changes, especially over a few weeks or months. -
Persistent fatigue
You feel drained even after rest, and simple tasks start to feel harder than usual. -
Ongoing indigestion or stomach discomfort
Burning, bloating, nausea, or mild pain that doesn’t respond to simple measures or keeps coming back. -
Loss of appetite or aversion to certain foods
You “just don’t feel like eating,” or foods you once enjoyed now feel heavy or unappealing.
None of these symptoms automatically mean you have stomach cancer. They can be caused by ulcers, reflux, infections, or other conditions. The key is pattern and persistence:
- Have they lasted more than 2–4 weeks?
- Are they getting worse or more frequent?
- Do they interfere with daily life (eating, sleeping, working)?
- Do you simply feel something is “off” and not improving?
The Test That Changed Everything: What an Endoscopy Can Reveal
In Carla’s case, the turning point was an endoscopy — a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is gently passed through the mouth into the stomach so doctors can look directly at the lining and take biopsies if needed.
Endoscopy can help diagnose:
- Ulcers and erosions
- Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
- Infection with H. pylori bacteria
- Pre-cancerous changes
- Early and advanced gastric cancers
You and your provider might consider endoscopy if:
- You’re over 40–50 with new or worsening digestive symptoms
- You have significant weight loss or anemia (low blood counts)
- Symptoms don’t respond to medications like antacids or acid reducers
- You have a strong family history of stomach cancer or related conditions
While it can feel intimidating to ask for a test like this, sometimes that one extra step is what finally brings clarity — just as it did for Carla.
How to Advocate for Yourself When You Feel Brushed Off
Self-advocacy doesn’t mean being confrontational. It means partnering with your healthcare team and clearly communicating what you’re experiencing. Here’s a simple, compassionate framework you can use.
1. Track Your Symptoms
Before your appointment, jot down:
- When symptoms started and how often they occur
- What makes them better or worse
- Any changes in weight, appetite, or energy
- Photos or logs of meals if early fullness is an issue
2. Use Clear, Specific Language
Instead of “I feel off,” try:
“For the past three months, I’ve been full after five or six bites, and I’ve lost 12 pounds without trying. I’m worried something serious could be going on, and I’d like to discuss further testing.”
3. Ask Direct Questions
- “What diagnoses are you considering for these symptoms?”
- “Is there anything serious we still need to rule out?”
- “At what point would imaging or endoscopy be appropriate?”
- “What should I watch for that would mean I need to come back sooner?”
Protecting Your Stomach: Lifestyle Habits That Support Digestive Health
No lifestyle change can guarantee you’ll avoid stomach cancer, and people like Carla can develop it even when they “do everything right.” Still, research suggests several habits can lower risk and support overall digestive and metabolic health.
1. Focus on a Plant-Forward, Low-Processed Diet
- Emphasize fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and nuts.
- Limit heavily salted, smoked, and processed meats (like bacon, hot dogs, and some deli meats).
- Use herbs, spices, lemon, and vinegar for flavor instead of relying heavily on salt.
2. Address H. pylori and Chronic Heartburn
Long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori and chronic reflux can increase risk over time. Ask your doctor about:
- Testing and treatment for H. pylori if you have chronic stomach issues
- Evaluating long-term use of acid-suppressing medications
- Lifestyle tweaks for reflux (elevating the head of your bed, avoiding late heavy meals, etc.)
3. Supportive Habits for Overall Cancer Prevention
- Not smoking and limiting alcohol
- Maintaining a weight that’s healthy for your body through gentle movement and nourishing foods
- Managing stress with techniques you actually enjoy (walks, journaling, stretching, therapy, creative hobbies)
Stress or Something More? A Simple Before-and-After Self-Check
Because stress really does affect appetite, sleep, and digestion, it can be hard to know when to worry. Use this rough “before vs. now” comparison as a conversation starter with your provider — not as a tool to diagnose yourself.
Typical Stress Response
- Appetite fluctuates but returns on days off
- Weight is mostly stable over months
- Energy improves with rest and time away from stress
- Digestive upset comes and goes with big deadlines or emotional events
Possible Medical Red Flags
- Appetite stays low for weeks, meals feel burdensome
- Noticeable, unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue that doesn’t lift with time off or better sleep
- New or changing stomach pain, early fullness, or nausea that persists
If you notice yourself fitting more into the “red flag” column, don’t panic, but do reach out to a healthcare professional. The worst-case scenario is rarely the most likely — but that doesn’t mean your symptoms should be ignored.
Moving Forward: Listening to Your Body Without Living in Fear
Carla’s story is a powerful reminder that you are the expert on your own body. When something feels wrong and doesn’t improve, you’re not being dramatic or difficult by asking for answers — you’re being responsible.
You don’t need to assume the worst every time you’re tired or bloated. But you can:
- Pay attention to persistent changes in appetite, weight, and energy
- Keep a simple symptom journal to see patterns more clearly
- Use clear, specific language with your healthcare team
- Ask when further testing, such as endoscopy, might be appropriate
- Seek a second opinion if you continue to feel dismissed
Today, your call-to-action is simple: take five minutes to check in with your body. Notice your energy, appetite, and any nagging symptoms you’ve been minimizing. If anything has been worrying you for weeks, schedule that appointment. Bringing it up is not overreacting — it’s honoring your life.
