Lung, pancreatic, and stomach cancers are recognized during November, and though it’s typically easier to find the cause of a lung cancer diagnosis, the other two can come as a surprise.

American Cancer Society Senior Community Development Manager Kim Durst says most gene mutations related to cancers of the pancreas and stomach occur after a person is born, rather than having been inherited. Durst says signs and symptoms of stomach cancer include abdominal pain and heartburn, and pancreatic cancer include a yellowing of the eyes and skin, belly or back pain, and blood clots, “Obviously, stomach and pancreatic are very much more difficult to diagnose at an early stage but as it all goes back to, you know, if you have a poor appetite, there is an unexplained weight loss, you’re having any type of pain in your stomach, things like that, nausea, vomiting. Please, as always, these are symptoms or signs, hopefully it’s nothing, but it’s always best to talk to your physician.”

Durst reminds the public that another great way to prevent any cancer diagnosis is to lead a healthy lifestyle, including staying away from tobacco, limiting alcohol use, and getting regular physical activity and good nutrition.