Key Facts:

• Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, develops in the lining of the stomach.
• It’s the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths globally.
• In 2020, an estimated 1.1 million people were diagnosed with stomach cancer. (WHO)
• It is more common in males, with 66% of all cases occurring in men.
• Its incidence and mortality increase with age. It’s rare in individuals younger than 45 years.

Overview

Stomach cancer is a malignant tumour of the stomach. The cancer may spread from the stomach to other parts of the body, particularly in the liver, lungs, bones, lining of the abdomen, and lymph nodes. So, the sooner the treatment begins, the better are the chances of recovery.

Stomach cancer develops when cells in the stomach lining, specifically the mucosa, begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. It can start in any part of the stomach. The uncontrolled growth is often triggered by genetic mutations in the DNA of these cells (which occurs during cell division), leading to rapid cell multiplication and survival beyond their normal lifespan.

Scope Of The Problem

Stomach cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with an estimated one million new cases and 769,000 deaths in 2020. While it may be rare in some countries, it remains a significant health concern globally.

Incident rays are particularly high in Asia and eastern Europe. It is more common in older individuals (>45 years).

The survival rate may be as high as 70% and as low as 5%.

Risk Factors

Male genders of age above 65 years are at higher risks of getting diagnosed with stomach cancer. In females, 1 in 126 women have the chance of developing stomach cancer.

Certain factors increase the risk for stomach cancer like:

• Increasing age
• A family history of the disease
• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption
• Pernicious anaemia (caused by the lack of vitamin B-12).
• Previous stomach surgery

The symptoms can include:

• Poor appetite
• Weight loss (without trying)
• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel
• Feeling full after eating only a small meal
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting, with or without blood
• Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
• Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black
• Feeling tired or weak, as a result of having too few red blood cells (anemia)
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), if the cancer spreads to the liver

These symptoms can be caused by other things like ulcer or a viral infection. It can also be caused by other types of cancer. If these symptoms begin to show and don’t go away, you need to see a doctor. If it is too late, it may spread to other parts like liver, lungs, bones, lining of the abdomen, and lymph nodes.

Endoscopy is the first stage of detecting stomach cancer. This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light into the stomach to visually examine the lining and identify any abnormalities, such as potential cancerous areas.

Blood tests, and fecal occult blood test (FOBT) are also ways of detecting stomach cancer.

Stages of Cancer

The different stages of stomach cancer act like a map and help the doctor to do the treatment properly.

Recurrent stomach cancer: Cancer that has recurred (come back) after it has been treated. Stomach cancer may come back in the stomach, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body, such as the liver, lung, or bone.

Treatment

It may include different types of treatment. Factors such as stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your preferences will be taken into consideration before the treatment begins.

The different types of treatment are:

• Endoscopic mucosal resection:
  • It is a procedure that uses an endoscope to remove carcinoma in situ and early-stage cancer from the lining of the digestive tract.
• Surgery:
  • It is the most common treatment for cancer. The type of surgery depends on where the cancer is located.
• Gastrectomy:
  • It is the removal of part or all of the stomach. It is the main surgery for stomach cancer.
• Endoluminal stent placement:
  • It is done when the tumor blocks the passage into or out of the stomach. The surgeon places a stent from the oesophagus to the stomach or from the stomach to the small intestine to help the patient to eat normally.
• Gastrojejunostomy:
  • It is the removal of the part of the stomach with cancer that is blocking the opening into the small intestine. Then the surgeon connects the stomach to the jejunum to allow food and medicine to pass from the stomach into the small intestine.
• Radiation therapy:
  • This process uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.
• Chemotherapy:
  • This process uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. The drugs are injected into a vein or given by mouth. This way the drugs reach cancer cells throughout the body.

The prognosis (outlook) for stomach cancer depends heavily on the stage at which it's detected and treated. Early-stage stomach cancer has a very good prognosis, with high cure rates, while advanced stages, especially with distant metastasis, have a significantly lower prognosis.

Foods and Diet

It is advised to eat the following kinds of food:

• Eating small, easily digestible (cooked vegetables, fruits, white rice, and low-fiber starches) meals throughout the day
• Calorie-dense foods: Avocados, nut butter, and olive oil to help with weight management.
• Fluid-rich foods: Soups, broths, watermelon, and oranges to ensure hydration and manage nausea.
• Antioxidant-rich foods: Berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens, which are rich in phytonutrients and beneficial for immune response.

It is advised to avoid the following kinds of food:

• Processed and high-salt foods, and spicy, acidic, fatty foods. Red meat with high levels of heme iron in red meat may increase the risk of stomach cancer.
• High-fibre foods like whole grains can be harder to digest and may cause bloating.
• Added sugars and alcohol

Conclusion

Stomach cancer is a serious disease with complex causes, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While early detection and treatment can improve outcomes, the prognosis varies depending on the stage and individual characteristics. Research continues to focus on understanding the disease better, developing more effective treatments, and improving prevention strategies. If one shows serious symptoms of stomach cancer, he/she should immediately see a doctor and get himself/herself checked up. Through awareness, check-ups, and research, we can make a significant change in our fight against cancer and ensure better lives for everyone.

FAQs:

1. What is stomach cancer?

   Gastric cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cancer cells in the lining of the stomach. It starts occurring in the mucosa of the stomach.

2. Can stomach cancer go undetected?

   It can often go undetected for many years. It can be because of the less serious conditions like constipation or GERD and also because the symptoms tend to grow slowly.

3. What Should I Expect After Stomach Cancer Surgery

   Side effects vary from patient to patient and depend on the procedure performed. The patient may feel pain, nausea, heartburn, diarrhoea, and fatigue.

4. Is stomach cancer curable if caught early?

   Like all malignancies, stomach cancer is usually most treatable if caught early, before it spreads to other body parts. In its early stages, surgery through other treatments can be efficient.

5. Do certain foods fight stomach cancer?

   Plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, lemons, grapefruit, flavonoids, carrots, fish, poultry, beans, etc.

6. How long is the recovery after stomach cancer surgery?

   While hospital stays typically range from 3 to 10 days, full physical recovery and adaptation to a new digestive system can take 3 to 6 months or longer.

7. Should you panic if you have stomach cancer?

   While a stomach cancer diagnosis is serious, panicking isn't helpful. You should try to understand your situation and stage, then seek your diagnosis. Focus on your well-being and think positively as your mental health is equally important as your physical health. Talk to your family, friends, and people whom you are comfortable with.