How to Understand Stomach Cancer24 May
What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer also know as gastric cancer can be found in any part of the stomach and can spread to other organs normally the esophagus and small intestine, however, it can also travel through the bloodstream or lymph nodes and attack other organs of the body. If gastric cancer spreads to other organs it is still referred to as stomach cancer as the cancer is made up of the same cancer cells that are present in the stomach. The main location for the beginning of stomach cancer is in the inner layer of the stomach known as the mucosa. The fluids that are created by the glands in the mucosa help digest food. Close to one million deaths are caused by stomach cancer every year throughout the world.
Causes of stomach cancer
There is no known cause of stomach cancer however, it has been discovered there are a few risk factors that have been noted in stomach cancer patients more often than not.
Studies have found that stomach cancer is seen in more individuals over the age of 72, more men are seen with this type of cancer than women, this type of cancer is seen more in Asians, Hispanics, African Americans, and Pacific Islanders than it is in white Americans, and individuals that consume foods that are salted, pickled, or smoked are at a higher risk than those that eat more fruits and vegetables.
Other causes or risk factors that are attributed to stomach cancer include smoking, stomach inflammation, stomach ulcers, stomach surgery, chronic gastritis, pernicious anemia, and a family history of stomach cancer.
Symptoms of stomach cancer
Symptoms of stomach cancer may not appear in the early stages; however, as the cancer grows symptoms are more apparent. The most common symptoms include soreness in the stomach area, feeling bloating after a small meal, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
These symptoms are not only present with stomach cancer but also other illnesses and disease. To know if you have stomach cancer, you must visit your physician.
Treatment options for stomach cancer
If you have been diagnosed with stomach cancer, you should discuss your treatment options with your physician. There are different methods of treatment according to the stage the cancer is at the time of the discovery. In many cases, surgery to remove the tumor can be successful if you are in the early stages. However, surgery does not guarantee that the cancer will not come back at a later time. Other treatment options include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Prevention of stomach cancer
Since the causes of stomach cancer are not known, there is not miracle diet or prevention method. On the other hand, due to research, there are a few things you can do to give you a better chance of not developing stomach cancer. A few of the prevention measures include eating more fruits and vegetables, quit eating as much salty and smoked foods, stop smoking, and if you are at risk for stomach cancer talk with you physician to look for signs early.
Popularity: 58% [?]
