Cancer, stomach

DEFINITION

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, originates in the stomach, a muscular sac in the upper middle abdomen. It is more common in certain parts of the world like China and Japan.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms include fatigue, bloating after eating, severe heartburn, unrelenting indigestion, persistent nausea, stomach pain, unintentional weight loss, and persistent vomiting.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If you experience worrying symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.

CAUSES

The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown. However, factors like diet high in smoked or pickled foods, Helicobacter pylori infection, and family history can increase the risk.

Types of Stomach cancer

• Adenocarcinoma (most common)
• Lymphoma
• Carcinoid Cancer
• Gastrointestinal stromal Tumor (GIST)

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors include diet high in salty foods, infection with Helicobacter pylori, smoking, family history of stomach cancer, and long-term stomach inflammation.

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Before your appointment with a healthcare provider:

• Note down symptoms.
• List medications.
• Prepare questions about your condition.

Some key questions to ask your doctor:

1. What type and stage of stomach cancer do I have?
2. What are my treatment options?
3. How will treatment affect my daily life?
4. Should I seek a second opinion?

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Diagnostic tests for stomach cancer include upper endoscopy and imaging tests like CT scans. Determining the cancer stage helps in planning treatment.

Stages of Stomach cancer:

• Stage I to IV based on tumor spread.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

Treatment options depend on the cancer stage and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and participation in clinical trials.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

To reduce the risk of stomach cancer:

• Consume more fruits and vegetables.
• Limit salty and smoked foods.
• Quit smoking if you smoke.

COPING AND SUPPORT

Coping strategies post-diagnosis include learning about your condition, connecting with other survivors, and staying active.

---

QUESTIONS

1. What are some symptoms of stomach cancer?

Symptoms include fatigue, bloating after eating, severe heartburn, etc.

2. What are some risk factors for stomach cancer?

Risk factors include a diet high in salty foods, smoking, Helicobacter pylori infection.

3. How is stomach cancer diagnosed?

Diagnostic tests include upper endoscopy and imaging tests like CT scans.

4. What are some treatment options for stomach cancer?

Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.

5. How can one reduce the risk of stomach cancer?

By consuming more fruits and vegetables and limiting salty foods.

6. What should you do before your appointment with a healthcare provider?

Note down symptoms, list medications, prepare questions about your condition.

7. What are some coping strategies post-stomach cancer diagnosis?

Learning about your condition, connecting with other survivors.

8. Which type of cells determine the type of stomach cancer?

The cells that form the tumor determine the type of stomach cancer.

9. In which areas of the world is stomach cancer more common?

Stomach cancer is more common in areas like China and Japan.

10. What causes an error (mutation) leading to Cancer initiation?

An error (mutation) occurs in a cell's DNA causing it to grow rapidly and evade normal cell death.