There are many risk factors in the development of stomach cancer. These include Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic gastroenteritis, excessive consumption of salty or salty foods, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, family history of stomach cancer, excessive consumption of processed foods, and some genetic factors. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, having regular medical check-ups and reducing risk factors are important in reducing the risk of stomach cancer.
What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that occurs as a result of the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the stomach tissue. This type of cancer can occur in any part of the stomach wall and usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages. However, in later stages, symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, nausea, weight loss, loss of appetite, bloody vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating may occur.
What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer symptoms are usually not obvious in the early stages and appear in the later stages. Stomach cancer symptoms are as follows:
- Indigestion
- heartburn
- Nausea
- weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- bloody vomit
- Stomach ache
- Swelling
These symptoms can also be associated with other digestive diseases such as stomach cancer, so it is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis.
How is stomach cancer treated?
Stomach cancer is usually diagnosed through imaging tests (e.g., endoscopy, ultrasonography, CT scans) and biopsy. Treatment options are determined depending on the stage of the cancer, its spread, and the patient’s general health condition. Methods such as surgical intervention, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy can be used. When diagnosed early, stomach cancer treatment is usually more effective. Methods used in the treatment of stomach cancer are:
- Doctors may perform surgery to remove tumors and cancerous lymph nodes if they are present.
- With chemotherapy, drugs that kill cancer cells are given intravenously. Chemotherapy can be applied before or after surgery, and sometimes it is used together with radiotherapy.
- Radiotherapy can be used to kill cancer cells with high-energy beams. Radiotherapy may be administered before or after surgery, and is sometimes used together with chemotherapy.
- Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules in cancer cells.
- In immunotherapy, the immune system is activated to destroy cancer cells.