A 66-year-old woman, who initially dismissed her symptoms as common digestive discomfort, was shocked to discover she had two separate cancers after experiencing intermittent abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. Her case sheds light on the rare occurrence of multiple primary cancers, urging individuals to pay close attention to subtle health changes.
A Mysterious Case of Weight Loss and Stomach Pain
On November 7, Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology at Bach Mai Hospital, shared details about this unusual case. The patient, a seemingly healthy woman with no prior medical conditions or family history of cancer, began experiencing mild but persistent abdominal pain. Along with this discomfort, she unexpectedly lost 3 kg (about 6.6 pounds) in a short period.
While weight fluctuations can be normal, unexplained sudden weight loss is often a red flag for serious underlying health conditions. Concerned, she decided to visit a doctor for further evaluation.
A Shocking Double Cancer Diagnosis
After undergoing multiple diagnostic tests, including biopsies, imaging scans, and blood work, doctors made a startling discovery:
- Stomach cancer was identified through an endoscopic biopsy.
- Early-stage left lung cancer was also detected.
Additionally, she was diagnosed with hepatitis, which further complicated her treatment plan.
Despite not having a genetic predisposition to cancer, she developed two primary cancers simultaneously—an extremely rare medical occurrence, affecting only 0.1% of all cancer patients worldwide.
Video : A double cancer diagnosis leads Arizona couple to Mayo Clinic for care
The Challenge of Treating Two Cancers at Once
Doctors recommended radical surgery as the best course of action. However, her age, weakened health, and frail body made it impossible to undergo multiple surgeries at once. Instead, her medical team decided on a two-stage surgical approach:
- Surgery for stomach cancer was prioritized to remove the primary tumor and alleviate digestive issues.
- Lung cancer surgery would follow once she recovered from the first operation.
Her prognosis was relatively positive, as both cancers were detected early. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, which significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
How Common Are Multiple Primary Cancers?
While it’s rare, some individuals develop more than one type of cancer simultaneously or sequentially. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC):
- Multiple primary cancers affect 2.4% to 17.2% of cancer patients worldwide.
- Small intestine cancer (including duodenal cancer) is extremely rare, with a global incidence of less than 1 per 100,000 people.
- The most common location for small intestine cancer is the ileum, but it can also develop in the duodenum and jejunum.
This case emphasizes how cancer doesn’t always follow predictable patterns and why early screening is critical for high-risk individuals.
Unexplained Weight Loss: A Warning Sign of Cancer
A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found a strong link between abnormal weight loss and cancer. Researchers discovered that individuals who lost weight suddenly had a significantly higher risk of developing cancer within 12 months compared to those with stable weight.
Cancers Most Commonly Associated with Weight Loss:
✅ Esophageal cancer
✅ Stomach cancer
✅ Liver cancer
✅ Biliary tract cancer
✅ Pancreatic cancer
Patients diagnosed with these cancers tended to experience significant weight loss before receiving their diagnosis.
However, the study found that people diagnosed with breast cancer, brain cancer, or melanoma did not exhibit significant pre-diagnosis weight loss. This indicates that some cancers affect metabolism differently than others.
Why Does Cancer Cause Weight Loss?
Cancer-related weight loss is often due to cancer cachexia, a condition where the body loses muscle and fat at an accelerated rate. Some key reasons include:
✔️ Metabolic Changes – Cancer alters the body’s ability to process nutrients.
✔️ Increased Energy Demand – Cancer cells grow rapidly, consuming more energy than normal cells.
✔️ Inflammation – The immune system’s response to cancer can lead to appetite loss and muscle breakdown.
✔️ Digestive Disruptions – Cancers affecting the stomach, intestines, or pancreas interfere with food absorption and digestion.
These factors contribute to unintentional weight loss, which is often one of the earliest warning signs of cancer.
Video : Colon cancer survivor shares her story
Recognizing Cancer Symptoms: When to See a Doctor
Many cancer symptoms can be subtle and easy to dismiss. However, if you experience any of the following unexplained health changes, it’s essential to seek medical attention:
🔴 Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
🔴 Unexplained weight loss (more than 5% of body weight within 6 months)
🔴 Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
🔴 Loss of appetite or difficulty swallowing
🔴 Frequent infections or slow healing wounds
🔴 Shortness of breath or persistent cough
Early detection can mean the difference between life and death, especially for aggressive cancers.
The Importance of Regular Health Screenings
Routine health screenings are critical for catching cancer early. Some essential tests for early cancer detection include:
✔️ Colonoscopy – Detects colorectal cancer before symptoms appear.
✔️ Endoscopy – Helps identify stomach and esophageal cancers.
✔️ CT Scans & X-rays – Useful for detecting lung cancer.
✔️ Blood Tests (Tumor Markers) – Can reveal abnormal changes linked to cancer.
✔️ Mammograms & Pap Smears – Crucial for breast and cervical cancer screening.
For high-risk individuals (smokers, those with a family history of cancer, or people over 50), annual screenings are highly recommended.
Final Thoughts: Awareness Saves Lives
This 66-year-old woman’s case serves as a stark reminder of how critical it is to listen to our bodies. Persistent pain and unexplained weight loss are not just minor inconveniences—they can be early warning signs of serious diseases like cancer.
Takeaway message:
✅ Don’t ignore persistent symptoms—early detection improves survival rates.
✅ Get regular check-ups—especially if you’re over 50 or have risk factors.
✅ Prioritize a healthy lifestyle—a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking reduce cancer risk.
Your health is your greatest asset—take care of it. If something feels off, don’t wait—get checked. It might just save your life.
