Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, starts in the stomach’s inner lining. It is a widespread cancer, mostly affecting men. Chronic gastritis, a Helicobacter pylori infection, unhealthy habits, and genes can cause it. If not stopped, some conditions can lead to stomach cancer. Smoking, being overweight, and eating lots of salty food might increase the risk.
The first signs of stomach cancer can seem unclear. They might show up as stomach pain, losing weight, feeling sick, or throwing up. Screening is key for people with a family history or risky genetic conditions. Telling if someone has stomach cancer needs checks like endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging. The way to treat it changes by how advanced it is. Surgery, chemo, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy are some choices. Keeping up with doctor visits helps watch how well the treatment works and avoid problems.
Key Takeaways:
- Stomach cancer is a common type of cancer worldwide, with a higher incidence in men.
- Causes of stomach cancer include chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and genetic factors.
- Early symptoms of stomach cancer can include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting.
- Screenings and tests such as endoscopy and biopsies aid in the diagnosis of stomach cancer.
- Treatment options for stomach cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Risk Factors and Prevention of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer risk factors can be many. They include things like chronic gastritis and certain infections. Bad habits like smoking and drinking too much, along with a diet of salty or preserved foods, can also add risk. Blood types and past surgeries are factors. So is family history or specific genetic conditions.
Knowing these risks is key to preventing stomach cancer. Here are steps to lower your chances:
- Treat and get rid of Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Have a healthy lifestyle. Eat well and exercise to stay fit.
- Don’t smoke or drink a lot. These can make stomach cancer more likely.
- Get regular check-ups, especially if your family history or genes make you more prone. Finding it early can make a big difference.
Understanding risks and taking preventive steps can help. Let’s work together to lower the risk of stomach cancer. By doing so, we aim to have a world with fewer stomach cancer cases.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Stomach Cancer
Doctors begin by looking at your symptoms and health history. They also give you a checkup. Many tests help find out if you have stomach cancer and what stage it is in. These tests include an endoscopy, biopsies, blood tests, and imaging scans.
When stomach cancer is caught early, surgery is usually the first step. Doctors will remove part or all of the stomach and some lymph nodes. This stops the cancer from spreading and gives the best chance for a cure.
If the cancer is more advanced, doctors may use different treatments together. These can be chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. They work to kill the cancer cells, reduce the tumor size, and stop the disease from spreading. Stem cell therapy is also showing promise in fighting stomach cancer by attacking the cancer cells directly.
Staying in touch with your healthcare team is crucial even after the treatment ends. They help check on how you are doing, deal with any side effects, and support you and your family. With early diagnosis and the right treatment, the chances of surviving stomach cancer are getting better all the time.