Six little-known signs of stomach cancer revealed as disease-stricken country singer Toby Keith gives update on his illness

Feeling sick, having no energy, and no appetite are not usually signs of something ominous.

However, these can all be warning signs of stomach cancer.

The difficult-to-spot disease kills around 4,000 Britons every year, and almost 11,000 in the US.

American country singer Toby Keith, who has the disease, last night gave an update on his battle against the disease.

The 62-year-old thanked the “almighty for allowing me to be here tonight” during his acceptance speech for the first-ever Country Music Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards.

Here, MailOnline shares six little-known warning signs of stomach cancer.

Indigestion

Indigestion usually goes away on its own.

But if you notice it persisting for a long time, it could be a sign of cancer, experts say.

It is often caused by acid from the stomach irritating the stomach lining or throat – called acid reflux.

This is common and not usually caused by cancer, with certain foods and drinks, stress or medications often acting as triggers.

But it could also be a sign that the cancer has spread to the tissue lining your abdomen, which can cause a build-up of fluid, says Cancer Research UK.

The NHS recommends that you see your doctor if you have had heartburn most days for three weeks or more.

Having no energy

If you constantly feel tired and out of breath, this could be a warning sign of stomach cancer.

This is because, according to Cancer Research, fatigue can be due to low red blood cell counts.

Early and advanced stomach cancer can bleed into the stomach, causing the number of red blood cells in your blood to decrease over time.

This can cause patients to feel tired, weak and breathless because their blood carries less oxygen. It can also cause blood to appear in the stool, which may appear darker and almost black.

A shortage of red blood cells can also cause pale skin and heart palpitations, according to the NHS.

Weight loss

Losing weight when you’re not trying is a common sign of cancer.

With stomach cancer, this can happen for several reasons, including loss of appetite and feeling full after eating only small amounts, according to Cancer Research.

This can be caused by a tumor in or around parts of the gastrointestinal tract, says the American Cancer Society.

Or it can be caused by cachexia: changes in the way the body uses protein, carbohydrates and fat, leading to fat and muscle loss due to serious illness.

In cancer patients, doctors think cachexia is caused by the chemicals released by tumors.

But unintentional weight loss is a common symptom of many different types of cancer.

And it can occur in the advanced stages of other diseases, such as heart and kidney disease, as well as HIV.

Difficulty swallowing

Stomach cancer can cause swallowing problems.

A tumor in or around the stomach can cause pain and a burning sensation when swallowing.

According to Cancer Research UK, it can also cause your food to stick in your throat or chest.

Difficulty swallowing can also lead to weight loss simply because you can’t eat enough.

Although other conditions such as acid reflux can cause these symptoms, experts recommend that people who have difficulty swallowing have it checked by a doctor.

To feel sick

Feeling sick and being sick can be caused by many diseases, but it is also a warning sign of stomach cancer.

The cancer can cause a blockage in the stomach, making it difficult to keep food down, Cancer Research says.

This blockage prevents food from moving through your digestive system, which can make you feel sick.

The cancer charity says that although there is rarely blood in the vomit, if it is red it could be a sign of new bleeding.

But if it’s dark brown “like used coffee grounds,” it could mean the blood has been in the stomach for a while, experts say.

A lump at the top of your abdomen

A lump or pain at the top of your stomach is a sign of stomach cancer, the NHS warns.

This pain or lump may be a sign that the cancer has spread to the tissue lining the abdomen.

The resulting build-up of fluid in the lining of the abdomen – called ascites – can make you feel bloated or your clothes feel tighter.

The lump or swelling can make it uncomfortable to sit, move, and eat, which can lead to loss of appetite.