It may occur after eating, or be relieved by food. Bowel habits generally don't change. Indigestion is very common. Doctors do not understand why most people get indigestion. In patients who seek medical help for their indigestion, about one patient in six has a peptic ulcer.
Stomach cancer is rare, and is especially rare before the age of sixty.
If you smoke, chew tobacco, or use nicotine chewing gum, quit. Smoking is a major cause of dyspepsia and slows the healing of ulcers. Your health care provider can give you information about quitting. Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Peptic ulcers are much more common in people who take these drugs.