Stomach cancer 101: Pay attention to these key symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, occurs when harmful cells in the inner lining of the stomach start growing abnormally and this abnormal growth of cells can lead to the formation of tumors. It usually starts in the inner lining of the stomach and can spread rapidly to other parts of the body if it is not treated immediately.

In some cases, stomach cancer begins to develop at the site where a person’s stomach meets the esophagus, also known as the gastroesophageal junction. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ganesh Nagarajan, Director, Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Gastrointestinal Oncology at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care, revealed the factors that can significantly increase the risk of developing stomach cancer –

1. The risk of stomach cancer increases after the age of 55 to 60 years
2. Men have a higher risk of stomach cancer than women
3. people who smoke or drink alcohol
4. Eating foods high in sodium
5. family history of stomach cancer
6. obesity

Symptoms of stomach cancer

Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan highlights the following symptoms of stomach cancer that one must look out for –

1. Vague pain and discomfort: Some people may feel discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, especially after eating food. They may experience symptoms such as heartburn, bloating or constipation. If this indigestion persists even after making necessary changes in diet and lifestyle, it can be a dangerous sign.
2. Loss of appetite/weight loss: A person may suddenly feel a loss of appetite or no desire to eat anything, even if he has not eaten anything all day. This can lead to poor health and other health complications such as weight loss and malnutrition.
3. Weakness: Often feeling weak or tired after doing even small tasks can be a sign of stomach cancer. People may also find it difficult to carry out their daily routine such as eating, walking, commuting to their workplace and doing household chores. Sudden weakness can reduce stamina and also affect energy levels.
4. stomach pain: Individuals may experience sharp cramping pain in their abdomen that may become unbearable and intense over time. This pain is mostly felt in the middle or upper abdomen. Abdominal pain may come and go or persist for more than a few hours, making it a challenging experience.
5. nausea and vomiting: There may be an urge to vomit immediately after seeing any food item, while eating or even without eating anything. This can lead to weight loss and loss of appetite.
6. bloody stool: Stomach cancer can cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in blood in the vomit or blood passing through the stool that is usually black also known as hematochezia. The color of the blood in the stool often indicates the exact cause of the bleeding. Bloody stool can also indicate other underlying health conditions, making it necessary to seek medical help immediately.

Treatment

Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan explained, “Treatment of stomach cancer depends on how far the cancer has spread into the inner lining of the stomach. It is usually diagnosed by upper GI endoscopy, biopsy and CT scan. Depending on the stage of cancer the patient either has to undergo surgery directly in the early stages or in locally advanced stages, the patient is given chemotherapy first. Surgical treatment includes partial or total gastrectomy as well as complete D2 lymphadenectomy which involves clearing all the draining lymph nodes. Early detection is the key to long-term survival and cure of gastric cancer.”