What you need to know about gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is also known as stomach cancer. The stomach is located beneath the ribs and in the upper middle portion of the abdomen. The stomach hold food after consumption, and also helps to break it down and digest it. Adenocarcinoma, which is cancer that begins in the lining of the stomach, is the most common type of stomach cancer.

Key statistics about stomach cancer

·         In 2015, it is estimated that about 24,590 cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed and about 10,720 people will die from the disease

·         Older people are most commonly affected by stomach cancer. The average age of diagnosis is 69.

·         About 6 of every 10 people diagnosed with stomach cancer each year are 65 or older.

·         The average risk that a person will develop stomach cancer in their lifetime is about 1 in 111.

·         Men are more likely to develop stomach cancer than women.

Stomach cancer is pretty uncommon in the United States. The number of stomach cancer cases is also decreasing. However, in other countries like Japan and China, stomach cancer is much more common.

Signs and symptoms of stomach cancer may include fatigue, feeling bloated after eating, feeling full after eating small amounts of food, severe and persistent heartburn, severe indigestion that doesn’t go away, persistent nausea for no reason, stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or unintentional weight loss.

Risk factors for stomach cancer

·         Gender – more common in men than women

·         Age – Risk of developing stomach cancer increases significantly after age 50. Most people are diagnosed with stomach cancer between their late 60s and 80s.

·         Ethnicity – In the United States, stomach cancer most commonly affects Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Asian/Pacific Islanders.

·         Geographic location – Stomach cancer is more common in Japan, China, Southern and Eastern Europe, and South and Central America. It is less common in Northern and Western Africa, South Central Asia, and North America.

·         H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) infection – a major cause of stomach cancer. If the infection becomes long-term, inflammation can occur which may cause pre-cancerous changes in the inner lining of the stomach.

·         Diet – high in salty and smoked foods, low in fruits and vegetables

·         Pernicious anemia

·         Smoking

·         Family history of stomach cancer

·         Certain types of stomach polyps – Polyps are noncancerous growths on the lining of the stomach. Polyps that are adenomas can sometimes become malignant.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for stomach cancer. We do not know what causes it and there is no way to prevent it. The good news is there are things you can do to reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.

·         Limit the amount of salty and smoked foods you consume.

·         Eat more fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.

·         Do not smoke. Smoking increases your risk of stomach cancer and many other types of cancer. Ask for professional help if you can’t do it alone.

·         Know the risk factors. Talk to your doctor about your risk of developing stomach cancer. Make sure to keep note of any risk factors you may have for stomach cancer and discuss them with your doctor.