Overview
Stomach cancer, also known as Gastric cancer, develops when abnormal cells divide, multiply rapidly, and form a mass of tumours in the stomach lining. This cancer doesn’t cause early symptoms and takes years to develop, which is why it can go undetected before it starts to spread.
Causes of Stomach Cancer
The exact cause of stomach cancer is difficult to pinpoint. However, there are certain risk factors, which are:
- Tobacco and alcohol consumption
- Gender: Men are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer as women.
- Stomach Surgeries: Previous stomach surgeries can heighten the risk.
- H. Pylori Infection: Helicobacter Pylori causes inflammation and ulcers, a primary cause of stomach cancer.
- Dietary habits: Smoked, salted, and pickled foods increase the risk.
- Menetrier Disease: Overgrowth of mucus cells that causes gastric folds can increase risk.
- Family history: Stomach cancer in first-degree relatives increases the risk.
Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Unintended weight loss
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bloated feeling
- Heartburn
Prevention of Stomach Cancer
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking.
- Reduce consumption of smoked and salty foods.
- Eat a nutritional diet.
Diagnosis
- Endoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach to check for cancer.
- Biopsy: If anything suspicious is seen during endoscopy, a sample of tissue is taken for lab testing.
- Imaging tests: CT scans, X-rays, or Barium swallow tests to look for cancer.
- Blood tests: Help evaluate organ function and check if cancer has spread.
Treatment of Stomach Cancer
1. Surgery
The main goal is to remove all of the cancer and some surrounding healthy tissue. Depending on the stage, the surgeon may remove part or all of the stomach.
2. Radiation Therapy
Uses high-energy radiation like X-rays and protons to kill or slow cancer cell growth. It can be performed after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells.
3. Targeted Therapy
This therapy uses drugs designed to target tumour cells specifically, causing less damage to normal cells compared to chemotherapy.
4. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. It can be given intravenously or orally, reaching cancer cells throughout the body.
5. Immunotherapy
This treatment helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer cells using lab-made or naturally occurring substances.
Takeaway
Stomach cancer can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices and early medical intervention. Awareness of symptoms and risk factors helps in timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
Combining medical expertise with proactive health habits can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.