Ben Rathbun, known for his appearance on the reality show ‘90 Day Fiance,’ has sadly passed away at the age of 55. He lost his battle with stage 4 stomach cancer, a disease that often goes unnoticed until it is very advanced. Ben’s story is a reminder of how important it is to recognize the warning signs of stomach cancer early. Read ahead to find out what stage 4 stomach cancer means, the symptoms to watch for, and what recent studies say about this serious illness.
Ben Rathbun’s Death![mn - 2025-05-20T161242.022]( "ben rathbun death")
Ben Rathbun’s death was confirmed by his family and reported by several news outlets. He was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, which means the cancer had already spread to other parts of his body. Ben fought bravely but passed away surrounded by loved ones. His story has touched many fans and brought attention to the dangers of late-stage stomach cancer.
What Is Stage 4 Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, starts in the lining of the stomach. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage. According to Dr Abhinav Narwariya, Consultant - Medical Oncology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, “stage 4 is when the tumour has spread to other distant organs of the body.” Treatment becomes much harder, and the focus is often on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
People with stage 4 stomach cancer may experience:
- Severe pain or discomfort in the stomach area
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Feeling full quickly, even after eating small amounts
- Nausea or vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Tiredness and weakness
According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, stomach cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. In 2022, there were over one million new cases and nearly 770,000 deaths from stomach cancer globally.
Symptoms to Watch Out For![3 - 2025-05-20T161243.944]( "stage 4 stomach cancer symptoms")
Early stomach cancer often has no symptoms. As the cancer grows, you may notice:
- Indigestion or heartburn that does not go away
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain or bloating after eating
- Vomiting or vomiting blood
- Black, tarry stools (a sign of bleeding in the stomach)
How Stomach Cancer Symptoms Change Over Time
According to Dr Narwariya, stomach cancer can be tricky to spot early because there are often no symptoms at first. This means many people don’t realise anything is wrong until the disease has already grown.
But when symptoms do show up, they can change as the cancer gets worse. Here’s what to look for at each stage:
Early-stage symptoms:
- Indigestion or heartburn that doesn’t go away
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Mild nausea or sometimes throwing up
- Loss of appetite
Later-stage symptoms:
- Losing weight without trying
- Pain or discomfort in the upper part of your stomach
- Throwing up often, sometimes with blood
- Trouble swallowing
- Feeling full quickly, even after eating just a little
- Feeling tired or weak all the time
Advanced-stage symptoms (when cancer has spread):
- Swelling or a lump in your belly
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), which can mean liver problems
- Shortness of breath or a swollen belly from fluid buildup
Living with and Preventing Stomach Cancer![2 - 2025-05-20T161246.736]( "stomach cancer stage 4")
While some risk factors, like age and family history, cannot be changed, others can. Eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol can reduce your risk. If you have ongoing stomach problems or a family history of cancer, regular checkups are important. Treatments for stomach cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, but they work best when the cancer is found early.
Conclusion
Ben Rathbun’s passing is a sad reminder of how dangerous stomach cancer can be, especially when found late. Knowing the symptoms and getting medical help early can save lives. If you or someone you know has ongoing stomach issues, don’t ignore them—talk to a doctor. Early action makes a difference.