In the United States, more than 20,000 individuals are diagnosed with gastric (stomach) cancer each year. Men are more likely to have stomach cancer than women are. Stomach cancer usually affects persons who are older than 55 years, although it may occur at younger ages. Individuals from Asia have the highest rates of stomach cancer. Because stomach cancer may occur without symptoms, it may be in advanced stages by the time the diagnosis is made. Treatment is then directed at making the patient more comfortable and improving quality of life. Stomach cancer can metastasize (spread) to other organs of the body. The January 14, 2004, issue of JAMA includes an article about gastric cancer.http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/291/2/266 - FIGJPG0114F1#FIGJPG0114F1

SYMPTOMS OF STOMACH CANCER

—      Loss of appetite

—      Weight loss without dieting

—      Abdominal pain, with or without swelling

—      Feeling full after small amounts of food

—      Indigestion

—      Nausea or vomiting

—      Vomiting blood

TESTING FOR STOMACH CANCER

If your doctor suspects that you may have stomach cancer, you will have basic tests such as a blood test to look for anemia (low red blood cell count). Other tests may include a computed tomography (CT) scan (computerized x-ray) of the abdomen or an upper GI series (a special x-ray test using a barium-containing liquid). A doctor can examine the inside of the stomach using an endoscope, a lighted tube that is placed through the mouth into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) and then into the stomach. This test is done by a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and management of digestive diseases.

TREATING STOMACH CANCER

Surgery is often the main treatment for stomach cancer. Several different operations are used based on the location of the cancer in the stomach. Because these operations are all considered major surgery, patients will need medical preparation before surgery and time for recovery from the operation. Risks and benefits of these operations may vary with specific medical conditions. Chemotherapy (use of anticancer drugs) and radiation therapy (use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells) may be used in addition to surgery to help in treating stomach cancer. Because each patient is different, treatment is individualized for each patient’s particular situation. Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be used to improve quality of life and decrease symptoms from stomach cancer, even if curative surgery is not possible. Scientists are trying to learn more about what causes this type of cancer and how it can be detected earlier. Finding stomach cancer in the early stages improves chances of living longer if proper treatment is received.

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At one time, stomach cancer was the most common type of cancer known in the United States. As the years progressed, the disease became less common among patients. While there are no definitive answers as to why, it’s thought to be related to the decline in salted or smoked food intake. Even with the decline in cases, this disease still presents a serious problem throughout the nation and the rest of the world.

While studies are unclear, some experts recommend a balanced diet to fighting against cancer development. In addition, researchers believe that damaged DNA in the stomach cells may lead to cancer. A large majority of individuals are infected by a bacteria known as H. pylori, which resides in the stomach. It is unknown how this bacteria is transmitted, but it is believed to be spread from individuals or through drinking water. H. pylori causes ulcers and may also be a leading cause of stomach cancer.

Foods, which include nitrates, are also of concern among cancer researchers. Foods such as hot dogs, certain deli meats, bacon and ham contain substances known to cause stomach cancer, as does red meat, and smoked or salted foods. Certain foods are believed to protect against stomach cancer, including fruits or vegetables. Items such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes and carrots are especially helpful in the prevention of this disease.

Perhaps one of the most troubling facts about the disease is that stomach cancer is difficult to diagnose. A cancerous tumor may be quite large by the time that it is diagnosed due to the lack of symptoms associated with stomach cancer. When present, the most common signs include upper abdominal pain, especially after eating. Other symptoms include bleeding, weight loss and general weakness. Patients who experience early fullness when eating should also be on alert as this may be a symptom of the stomach’s inability to expand due to the presence of a tumor. If left untreated, the cancer cells can spread quickly to other parts of the body and cause even further damage. Part of the problem is that, like many other illnesses, the symptoms sound very similar to those of other ailments. The presence of one or more of these does not necessarily confirm the presence of cancer, but it should cause the individual to be alert to the possibility.

Studies show that men are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer and is most common in individuals from age 40 to 80. This disease is rarely present in individuals 40 years of ago or younger. In addition, the use of tobacco and alcohol are perhaps the most obvious cancer causing agents. Studies have shown that both men and woman are more likely to develop stomach cancer if they smoke. Other factors, including family history and obesity, can encourage the development of stomach cancer.

This article should not be construed as professional medical advice. If you, or someone that you know, is concerned about the possibility of cancer, you should seek medical attention immediately. A medical doctor can discuss various options, prevention and treatment possibilities should the presence of cancer be detected. A series of tests may be conducted in order to confirm, or rule out, any such diagnosis and can only be done by a medical doctor.

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