All About Stomach Cancer

Stomach (or gastric) cancer is a type of cancer that affects any part of the stomach. It is projected that in 2023, 26,500 people will be diagnosed with this disease. Most people who are diagnosed face common symptoms such as bloatedness and heartburn. This article covers gastric adenocarcinomas, the most common type of gastric cancer. They start in the gland cells of the innermost layer of the stomach wall, known as the mucosa. Early detection is critical and it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. Being well-informed can be advantageous to you or someone you know.

Under normal conditions, cells in the stomach grow and divide to replace old or damaged cells that eventually die. However, when this process goes awry, abnormal or damaged cells can avoid cell death and continue to grow uncontrollably. Gastric cancer arises when these cells spread and invade nearby tissues, therefore becoming malignant (cancerous).

> Find out more about the types of cancers within the stomach

Gastric cancer is often overlooked due to its nonspecific and subtle early symptoms. Some of these include difficulty swallowing, heartburn and sudden weight loss. While these signs may mean anything, they could signify something more serious. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor and identify their root causes. This discovery could be life-changing for your health and well-being. Additionally, it can ease your concerns about your symptoms.

> Find out more about the various symptoms of gastric cancer

If your doctors suspect that you may have gastric cancer, you will undergo a series of tests and/or scans to confirm your diagnosis. Examples include barium x-rays, upper endoscopy and biopsies. These diagnostic exams can also help to differentiate between adenocarcinomas and other cancers of the stomach. The different tests you need to undergo may make the whole experience overwhelming, but it is important to take things one step at a time and follow the advice of your medical team. Do not hesitate to ask any questions to clear all doubts.

> Find out more about the diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinomas

Staging describes where a cancer is located and how far it has spread to other parts of the body, if at all. This determines the severity and extent of your cancer.

After confirming a gastric cancer diagnosis, your doctors will need to determine the cancer’s stage. To do this, they use different types of exams, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

> Learn how gastric adenocarcinomas are staged using tests and scans

The information that your doctors gather from these tests and scans is then used to ascertain the stage of your gastric cancer. Knowing the cancer’s stage helps your doctors predict the course of your condition (prognosis) and decide on the best treatment options for you.

> Learn more about the stages of gastric adenocarcinomas

Depending on factors like the stage of the gastric adenocarcinoma and your overall health, your doctors will design a treatment plan for you. This may involve a combination of different treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is important to note that every individual is unique and your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs. The medical team will also provide all relevant information, such as potential side effects of the treatment and how to manage them. It is essential to have an understanding of what to expect during treatment, so you can be better prepared for what’s to come.

> Learn more about the types of gastric cancer treatment available

There is no sure way to prevent gastric adenocarcinomas or any other types of gastric cancer. However, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of developing cancer in general. The link below provides more insights on what you can do to lower the risk.

> Learn how you can take action to lower your gastric cancer risk

If you’ve completed active treatment and have been cleared of gastric cancer, you may be experiencing a multitude of emotions. While many may feel relieved and excited for their lives post-gastric cancer, others may find the transition to a “new normal” extremely daunting. Survivorship is different for every person who’s gone through gastric cancer.

> Find out more about what life after gastric cancer entails