What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach (gastric) cancer starts in the lining of the stomach and can grow to affect nearby tissues and organs. It's often diagnosed late because early symptoms can be vague.
Signs & Symptoms of Stomach Cancer
Early symptoms are often mild or mistaken for common digestive issues. Watch for:
- Indigestion or heartburn that doesn’t go away
- Persistent stomach pain or discomfort
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Nausea or vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Unintentional weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or weakness
- Black stools (a sign of internal bleeding)
If these symptoms persist, consult a doctor early.
Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are male and over 50 years old
- Have a family history of stomach cancer
- Are infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria
- Eat a diet high in salted, smoked, or pickled foods
- Smoke or drink alcohol heavily
- Have a history of gastric ulcers or chronic gastritis
- Have pernicious anemia or certain genetic conditions
Stomach Cancer Prevention
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Reduce intake of processed or smoked foods.
2. Limit Salt & Pickled Foods
Excess salt and pickled items are linked to higher stomach cancer risk. Use herbs and spices instead.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking significantly increases your risk of stomach and other cancers. Seek help to quit today.
4. Treat H. pylori Infections
If diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori, follow treatment to reduce inflammation and cancer risk.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity is a risk factor for stomach cancer. Exercise regularly and eat balanced meals.
6. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Heavy alcohol use may increase cancer risk. Limit or avoid alcohol to lower your chances.
7. Get Regular Checkups
If you have a family history or symptoms, early screening and monitoring is essential.
8. Avoid Processed Meats
Processed meats like bacon and sausages contain nitrates linked to stomach cancer. Eat them rarely.
How Is Stomach Cancer Diagnosed?
- Physical Examination: A doctor checks for abdominal swelling, tenderness, or enlarged lymph nodes.
- Endoscopy (Gastroscopy): A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to view the stomach lining and take biopsies if abnormal tissue is found.
- Biopsy: Tissue samples taken during endoscopy are examined under a microscope to confirm cancer.
- Imaging Tests: CT scans, PET scans, and X-rays help to determine the extent and spread of cancer.
- Blood Tests: To check for anemia or other signs that may indicate stomach cancer.
- Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgery used to look inside the abdomen to check for cancer spread.
Stomach Cancer - FAQs
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the lining of the stomach. It can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread to nearby organs.
- H. pylori infection
- Chronic stomach inflammation
- Smoking
- Diet high in salty/smoked foods
- Family history
- Genetic conditions
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Feeling full quickly
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in stool or black stools
- Fatigue
- Age over 55
- Male gender
- H. pylori infection
- Family history
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Poor diet
- Upper endoscopy
- Biopsy
- CT scan or barium X-ray
- Blood tests
- PET scan (staging)
- Surgery (gastrectomy)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Adenocarcinoma (most common)
- Lymphoma
- GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors)
- Carcinoid tumors
- Treating H. pylori infection
- Healthy diet
- Avoiding smoked/salted foods
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol
Prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage stomach cancer has better survival rates. Advanced stages have poorer outcomes, but treatment can still improve quality of life and survival.
No routine screening for the general population, but high-risk individuals (e.g., with family history or genetic syndromes) may benefit from regular endoscopic exams.
