The 9 signs of stomach cancer as England football legend Kevin Keegan dies at 75 just months after revealing diagnosis

ENGLAND legend Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 after a short battle with illness. The England and Newcastle star was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January, having been admitted to hospital with ongoing abdominal problems. Kevin Keegan has passed away of stomach cancer Credit: Reuters Keegan made his name at Liverpool in a glittering playing career. He won 63 England caps and also managed Fulham and Manchester City. The two- time Ballon d’Or winner also guided Newcastle to the Premier League during the first of two stints at St James’ Park. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! In a heart-breaking tribute, close friend Peter Graves wrote this afternoon: “The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. “The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.” Keegan is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time Credit: AP He won 63 England caps and also managed Fulham and Manchester City Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd The former Three Lions and Newcastle manager was admitted to hospital due to “ongoing abdominal symptoms” earlier this year. “These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment,” a statement from his family said at the time. Speaking in May in his first public outing since his cancer diagnosis, Keegan told the audience he was responding well to treatment after being assured “‘we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got”. Today, stomach cancer is the 16th most common cause of cancer death in the UK – and in the US. Most read in Health Around 6,800 people are diagnosed with stomach cancer in the UK each year, with diagnoses falling since the 1990s, according to Cancer Research UK. It’s more common in older people – with nearly half of cases occurring in those over 75 – and more men get it than women. Early warning signs can be vague and easy to dismiss. Rather than triggering alarm, these symptoms are often brushed off as stress, diet or minor digestive issues. Left undetected, the cancer can silently invade deep into the stomach wall before spreading elsewhere in the body. And once it does, the outlook is bleak. Keegan pictured in 1975 in Liverpool Credit: Getty He revealed his diagnosis earlier this year Credit: Jon Bond – The Sun Overall, just 37 per cent of patients survive for five years after being diagnosed. So what are the early warning signs to watch out for? Sun Health explains everything you need to know. Early symptoms of the cancer can be similar to conditions such as stomach ulcers. The most common symptoms of stomach cancer include: Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia Unexplained weight loss Tummy pain Indigestion that doesn’t go away Feeling full after eating small amounts A loss of appetite Feeling or being sick Dark or almost black poo, from bleeding in the stomach Tiredness due to low levels of red blood cells (anaemia) With difficulty swallowing, you might feel pain or a burning sensation when you swallow, or your food may stick in your throat or chest. As for indigestion, this happens when acid from the stomach climbs up the food pipe. It can make you feel bloated and cause discomfort or burning pain in your chest. Some people may not experience any symptoms other than anaemia, which can show up as tiredness, shortness of breath and pale skin. A blood test for something else may pick up on this. When stomach cancer is advanced, it means it has spread to at least one other part of the body. In Keegan’s case, his cancer had reached stage four, the most advanced stage. Stomach cancer has been linked with a bacteria that lives in the stomach called Helicobacter pylori, though this won’t be the cause for everyone. Smoking can also increase the risk, as well as drinking three or more units of alcohol a day. Comment now