What Is Stomach Cancer?

Stomach Cancer is also commonly known as Gastric Cancer. It is a cancer that starts in the stomach and occurs when cells in the inner layer of the stomach wall grow and divide uncontrollably. These cells become malignant (cancerous) cells and form in the lining of the stomach. Stomach cancer is the sixth most common cancer in men and the eighth most common cancer in women.

Often, patients with Stomach Cancer are diagnosed at late stages as early detection of stomach cancer is hampered by the lack of presenting symptoms until the cancer is in the advanced stage.

What Are The Causes Of Stomach Cancer?

While there is no known exact cause of stomach cancer, there are several factors that may increase the risk of stomach cancer. These factors include having:

• A diet high in salty and smoked foods (e.g. salted fish or meats, pickled foods)
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Smoking habits
• Family history of stomach cancer
• Chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
• Pernicious anaemia (resulting in the reduced absorption of vitamin B12)
• Infection or history of infection of the Helicobactor Pylori bacteria

What Are The Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer?

Early stage stomach cancer often occurs without any symptoms or occurs with common symptoms that are usually confused with other benign gastrointestinal disorders. This is one of the contributing factors to why stomach cancers are so difficult to detect early without screening.

However, as the cancer grows, signs and symptoms may become more prominent and may include any of the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Sudden weight loss with no known cause
• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Feeling full after eating only a small amount
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting, with or without blood
• Blood in the stool
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)

Keep in mind that these symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. If you are worried, it is best to consult your doctor right away.

Why Is Stomach Cancer Screening Important?

Early stage stomach cancer often occurs without any symptoms or occurs with common symptoms that are usually confused with other benign gastrointestinal disorders. This is one of the contributing factors as to why stomach cancers are so difficult to detect early without screening.

Early detection and regular screening help protect you from stomach cancer as you would be able to start intervention measures as early as possible, where the prospects of treatment are better.