He first played on professional football teams, the San Diego Chargers, the Houston Oilers, and the Kansas City Chiefs, and then found fame and fortune in professional wrestling, a sport that landed him in the World Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame.

He is Ernie “Big Cat” Ladd. And on Saturday night, he died of cancer at the age of 68.

Ladd’s battle with cancer began in 2004. It started in his colon and later spread to his stomach and bones.

“The doctor told me I had three-to-six months to live,” Ladd said in 2005. “I told him Dr. Jesus has the verdict on me.”

It seems the great doctor gave Ladd, the 15th player taken in the 1961 AFL draft, more than a few months, proof that numbers are not everything in the game of cancer.

Ladd, almost 6-foot-10 and more than 300 pounds, started making appearances at wrestling events during his football career. He was first a special events referee and then became a wrestler. It was both a knee injury and the lure of the lucrative wrestling industry that ended Ladd’s football career.

“In what other sport can you pick up a $14 pair of boots, $0.59 socks, spend maybe a total of $50, and convert it into $100,000 a year, if you are sharp and train?” Ladd once said. “My intention was to go back to football, but pro wrestling was so good to me.”

Stomach Cancer, also known as Gastric Cancer, affects the cells of the stomach which is a part of the digestive system. The stomach processes the foods that are eaten and helps deliver waste material out of the human body.

Are there any risk factors that increase the chances for stomach cancer?

There are certain risk factors that increase the possibility of developing stomach cancer. The most significant risk factors are:

- Infection of the stomach by bacteria
- Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
- Age. Elder people are more vulnerable
- Gender. Males are more vulnerable
- Diet. Salted, smoked or preserved foods. Diet low in fruits and vegetables increase the danger.
- Smoking. Cigarettes and smoking can cause various types of cancer including stomach cancer.
- Gastric Polyps. A common stomach disease.
- A mother, father who has had stomach cancer.

But what are the most importand Stomach Cancer Symptoms that one should pay attention to?

In the early stages of stomach cancer, the following symptoms may occur:

- Indigestion
- Stomach Discomfort
- Mild Nausea
- Loss of Appetite
- Heartburn

The above symptoms may be the result not only of stomach cancer but of various health conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the above symptoms are identified.

What about the advanced stages od the disease? Are there any other significant stomach cancer symptoms?

In more advanced stages of stomach cancer the following symptoms may occur:

- Blood in the stool
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
- Stomach Pain
- Yellowing of eyes and skin
- Trouble with swallowing

Are there any tests that can identify stomach cancer in the early stages?

There are tests that examine the stomach and the esophagus. The tests detect and diagnose the gastric cancer. Prevention is your single most importand ally when fighting with stomach problems and even stomach cancer and its symptoms.

About The Author:

Detailed information about stomach cancer symptoms can be found in the National Cancer Institute. I strongly recommend you have a good look at the 350 Natural & Alternative Cancer Treatments That Work. This information saved the lives of thousands of people.