Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells lining the stomach. It is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer deaths.

Stomach cancer often goes undetected because the symptoms are similar to those of other common stomach problems such as indigestion, bloating, and stomach pain. However, early detection of stomach cancer is key to improving survival rates.

Stomach cancer symptoms

Stomach cancer symptoms may include:.

Loss of appetite
Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
Bloating
Heartburn
Indigestion
Stomach pain
Nausea and vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blood in stool

Risk factors for stomach cancer

Several factors can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer:.

Age: Stomach cancer is more common in people over the age of 50
Sex: Stomach cancer is more common in men than women
Smoking: Smokers have twice the risk of developing stomach cancer compared to non-smokers
Helicobacter pylori infection: This is a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation in the stomach and eventually lead to stomach cancer
Family history: If a family member has had stomach cancer, the risk of developing the disease is increased
Diet: A diet high in salted, smoked, and pickled foods increases the risk of stomach cancer

Diagnosis of stomach cancer

If a person has symptoms of stomach cancer, the doctor may perform several tests to diagnose the disease:.

Physical exam: The doctor will examine the abdomen for any lumps or swelling
Blood tests: These tests can help detect the presence of cancer in the body
Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach to look for signs of cancer
Biopsy: During an endoscopy, the doctor can take a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope
Imaging tests: These include CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans to look for signs of cancer in the stomach and elsewhere in the body

Treatment of stomach cancer

The treatment of stomach cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the overall health of the patient. Treatment options may include:.

Surgery: Depending on the size and location of the tumor, the surgeon may remove part or all of the stomach
Chemotherapy: This type of treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells
Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells
Immunotherapy: This type of treatment helps the body’s immune system fight cancer

Survival rates for stomach cancer

Stomach cancer has a relatively low survival rate compared to other types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for all stages of stomach cancer is about 32%.

However, if the cancer is caught early, the survival rate improves significantly.

A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that the 5-year survival rate for patients with early-stage stomach cancer who had surgery was 70.2%. This highlights the importance of early detection and prompt treatment.

Prevention of stomach cancer

There are several things a person can do to reduce their risk of developing stomach cancer:.

Stop smoking
Manage stress
Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
Avoid eating salted, smoked, and pickled foods
Get tested and treated for H. pylori infection
Exercise regularly

Conclusion

Stomach cancer is a serious disease that has a low survival rate unless caught early. It is important to know the symptoms of the disease and to seek medical attention if any are present.

If diagnosed with stomach cancer, there are several treatment options available depending on the stage of the disease. By taking steps to reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer, such as quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet, people can take control of their health and reduce their risk of this deadly disease.