Stomach cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in one of the three layers of the stomach. Several types of cancer can occur in the stomach. Cancer usually starts in the inner layer (where food touches the stomach) and moves into the outer layers. It can spread to nearby organs or to distant areas of the body.
Treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread and on your overall health. Surgery to take out part or all of the stomach is the most common treatment. You also may take medicines (chemotherapy) or get radiation treatments to kill the cancer cells.
Treatment with chemotherapy or radiation can make you very tired and nauseated. You may vomit or have diarrhea. It also can make your immune system weaker. This can raise your risk of infection.
Signs and symptoms of gastroesophageal junction cancer and stomach cancer may include:
• Fatigue
• Feeling bloated after eating
• Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
• Severe, persistent heartburn
• Severe indigestion that is always present
• Unexplained, persistent nausea
• Stomach pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Unintentional weight loss
The first step in stomach cancer diagnosis starts with a complete checkup and an understanding of your family history. This will help identify known stomach cancer risks. If you are experiencing some of the most common stomach cancer symptoms, such as:
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice
• Vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
It is important that you see your doctor immediately to help diagnosis the problem. This may include telling your doctor about:
• Family history of cancer, especially stomach caner
• Lifestyle habits, such as what you eat and whether or not you smoke
• Any previous stomach surgeries or stomach ulcers
• Any pain or discomfort you are experiencing
• • Diet and Lifestyle: Research has linked certain dietary and lifestyle choices with higher rates of stomach cancer. Researchers think that salt and similar chemicals such as sodium nitrite, which is found in cured meats, can change into cancer-causing substances.
• • While fine to eat in moderation, a diet high in nitrate-rich foods has been linked to higher rates of stomach cancer.
These foods include:
• Processed or cured meats
• Salted, pickled and smoked foods
Other diet and lifestyle choices that increase the risk of stomach cancer include:
• Smoking or using other tobacco products
• Obesity