What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, begins when cells in the stomach start to grow uncontrollably. It typically develops slowly over many years.
Risk Factors
- Age (most common in people over 65)
- Male gender
- Family history
- H. pylori infection
- Diet high in salty, smoked, or preserved foods
- Smoking
- Previous stomach surgery
Common Symptoms
Early Symptoms:
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling full after small meals
Later Symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Difficulty swallowing
Diagnosis
Common Tests Include:
- Upper endoscopy
- Biopsy
- CT scan
- PET scan
- Blood tests
Treatment Options
Surgery
- Partial gastrectomy
- Total gastrectomy
- Lymph node removal
Other Treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Living with Stomach Cancer
Lifestyle Changes
- Eating smaller, frequent meals
- Maintaining good nutrition
- Regular exercise as tolerated
- Stress management
Support Systems
- Support groups
- Counseling
- Nutritional guidance
- Pain management
Prevention
- Regular medical check-ups
- Healthy diet
- Avoiding tobacco
- H. pylori treatment when detected
- Limited alcohol consumption
When to Contact Your Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe stomach pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Black, tarry stools
- Sudden weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing