Steps for prevention
A cancer that was once more prevalent in the United States than it is now, gastric cancer still claims more than 10,000 lives a year, according to the American Cancer Society. The risk of someone developing gastric, or stomach, cancer in their lifetime is one in 116.
Dr. Molly Thomas with the Christus Schumpert Cancer Treatment Center said the cancer develops from the cells lining the stomach and the most common form is gastric adenocarcinoma, an intestinal type. There can be an array of symptoms associated with gastric cancer, and the length in which they are experienced can sometimes be indicators to see a doctor.
“[Typical symptoms include] weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, dif culty keeping food down, nausea, feeling full early in a meal, vomiting blood or black or dark stools,” Thomas said. “If any of those symptoms persist for an extended period of time, weeks or months, [they should see a doctor].”
Thomas said that the variety of tests used can include an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy/EGD, blood tests, which look for a Helicobacter pylori infection, and stool samples sent to test for bleeding.
The ACS describes the Upper endoscopy as putting a thin, exible tube that uses a video camera to see the lining of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine, down the throat of the patient. From there, if anything is found to be abnormal, a biopsy is taken and sent to a lab to determine if any cancer exists and, if so, what kind.
According to the ACS, new research has developed on Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. This surgery involves making small incisions in the abdomen and, similar to the upper endoscopy, uses a camera to examine the at-risk areas.
For those who have been diagnosed or treated for stomach cancer, a change in lifestyle is a necessity to maintain health. The ACS said treatment can change how someone eats and absorbs nutrients, so making healthier eating choices is essential. They also recommend staying active and making healthy behavioral changes as well – such as giving up alcohol or tobacco. Some patients, after treatment, might even need to take supplements to provide themselves with proper nutrients.
The risk factors for developing gastric cancer can be vast but have some speci c areas that can have a heavy effect.
“Risk of gastric cancer appears to involve multiple factors, including environment, lifestyle and diet,” Thomas said.
The speci cs of those elements can be a diet high in salt and salt-preserved meats and sh, smoked foods, nitrate or nitratecontaining foods; obesity; smoking; family history of stomach cancer; previous stomach surgery; certain hereditary cancer symptoms; history of pernicious anemia; gastric ulcers and polyps; chronic in ammation/gastritis; Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection; and Epstein barr virus infection.
The ACS mentions that differences in diet are an important indicator in stomach cancer around the world. The use of preserved meats and little fresh fruits and vegetables has been linked to higher risks.
Stomach cancer can be staged by examining the severity of the cancer based on various tests, resulting in various treatment options. Thomas said if the cancer is localized, surgery can be performed. If surgery isn’t possible, or used in addition to the surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can also be used. Chemotherapy alone can be used as well.
The ACS also factors in other assessments when treating stomach cancer. Age, overall health and personal wishes can be deciding elements in which treatment option is best for the patient. Research shows that stomach cancer mostly affects older people and can be more prevalent in men than in women.
For those who are at risk of developing stomach cancer, Thomas said there are everyday healthy choices that can aid in preventing it.
“Diet high in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy body weight, balancing caloric intake with physical activity, [not] smoking and completing treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylory if infection is found [all aid in preventing stomach cancer],” she said.
According to the ACS, using medications such as aspirin and other similar drugs, may reduce the risk of stomach cancer. However, they maintain that doctors don’t recommend taking those medications simply to prevent developing the cancer, as they can also have harmful side effects. They simply provide an added bene t if already being used.
For more information and treatment options for gastric cancer, visit the ACS website at www.cancer.org/stomachcancer.
