Stomach Cancer Awareness Month: The Silent Threat We Can’t Ignore

November is Stomach Cancer Awareness Month, and let’s be real—it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. There are no big marketing campaigns or mainstream pink parades. But that doesn’t mean the threat is any less deadly.

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is one of the most underestimated and underfunded cancers out there. It’s often caught late, presents with vague symptoms, and disproportionately affects communities that are already underserved.

It’s time we stop ignoring the quiet ones. Because stomach cancer isn’t just sneaky. It’s deadly.

Why Stomach Cancer Deserves the Spotlight

• Third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide

• Often diagnosed late because early symptoms mimic common digestive issues

• Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations face higher risks and poorer outcomes

• Underfunded and overlooked in comparison to more "marketable" cancers

If you’ve ever brushed off bloating, nausea, or random stomach pain, thinking it was something you ate—you’re not alone. And that’s exactly why this cancer slips through the cracks.

Symptoms to Pay Attention To

Stomach cancer doesn’t make a dramatic entrance. It shows up like indigestion and hangs around just long enough to be dangerous.

Look for:

• Persistent stomach pain

• Feeling full after only a few bites

• Chronic indigestion or heartburn

• Unexplained weight loss

• Vomiting blood or having black, tarry stools

If these symptoms stick around for more than a few weeks, don’t wait. Speak up. Push for answers.

Who’s Most at Risk?

You don’t have to have a family history to be at risk. And this isn’t a "just older men" cancer either.

Risk factors include:

• Age 60 and older

• H. pylori infection (a common stomach bacteria)

• Chronic gastritis or stomach inflammation

• Smoking and heavy alcohol use

• Diets high in salty, smoked, or pickled foods

• Genetic syndromes or family history

And yes, systemic healthcare disparities mean that Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities are diagnosed later and have worse survival rates. That’s not just biology. That’s broken access.

The Power of the Periwinkle Ribbon

Soft in color, loud in meaning. The periwinkle ribbon stands for stomach cancer awareness—a quiet visual for a cancer that needs to be talked about.

Wearing one shows solidarity. It sparks hard conversations. And it tells the world you’re not going to let stomach cancer hide in silence.

The Orgs Doing the Real Work

These aren’t just cancer groups. They’re lifelines:

• No Stomach For Cancer – Focused on awareness, advocacy, and research funding

• Debbie’s Dream Foundation – Supports patients and families while pushing for a cure

• Stupid Cancer – Elevates the voices of young adults dealing with all kinds of cancer, including stomach cancer

We’re not affiliated, but we deeply respect their hustle.

What You Can Actually Do

• Share the symptoms. Educate your circle. Most people have no idea.

• Support someone in treatment. Meal trains, check-ins, rides to chemo—it all helps.

• Donate. These orgs need funding more than some of the big-name campaigns.

• Wear a periwinkle ribbon pin. Visibility matters. Awareness saves lives.

Why Our Pins Matter

Our periwinkle ribbon pins are more than just tiny pieces of metal. They’re statements.

Periwinkle Ribbon Enamel Pins

Simple and powerful—because subtlety speaks volumes.

Periwinkle Survivor Pins

For those who are still standing. For those who are still fighting.

These items don’t just raise awareness—they give people something to carry when they can’t find the words.

Let’s Make Noise for the Quietest Cancer

Stomach cancer might not come with glitzy walks or high-profile sponsors, but that doesn’t mean it should stay in the shadows.

This November, don’t just go pink or gold—go periwinkle. Share the symptoms. Fund the mission. Support the fighters. And wear the ribbon that finally brings this silent killer into the light.