Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a health condition in which tumors develop and grow in the stomach’s inner lining, which can metastasize deeper into the wall layers. If gastric cancer is left untreated, the malignant cells can spread to nearby organs like the pancreas and liver. Keep reading to learn more about the causes and warning signs of gastric cancer and treatment options to manage the condition.

Gastric cancer signs & symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms of gastric cancer are listed below.

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Body mass loss
• Heartburn
• The bloated feeling after eating
• Stomach pain above the belly button
• Feeling too full after having small meals

Gastric cancer causes

The exact cause of gastric cancer is yet to be ascertained. Researchers believe that when something damages the cells in the stomach, it can bring about changes in the DNA, which can be a possible reason for stomach cancer. Some risk factors include-

• Family history of stomach cancer
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• History of stomach polyps and stomach ulcers
• Unhealthy body mass
• Frequent exposure to coal, rubber, and metal
• Autoimmune atrophic gastritis

Foods to help with gastric cancer

Foods that can lower the risk of stomach cancer include-

• Papaya, avocado, sweet potato, corn, pumpkin, spinach, and egg yolks are rich in carotenoids and can help prevent gastric tumors.
• Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, like peppers, oranges, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, mangoes, etc. This vitamin is supposed to have a chemopreventive impact and protect against DNA damage.

Treatment

Surgery is the most common procedure in gastric cancer treatment. Lymph nodes are removed during the procedure because these have the potential to spread cancer.

• Radiation therapy- Radiation therapy can treat stomach cancer in many ways and is often performed with chemotherapy. It targets tumors and leaves the surrounding tissues unharmed.
• Chemotherapy- Here, chemical substances are used to damage cancer cells and prevent them from growing. It can be either neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy.
• Targeted therapy- This treatment targets cancer’s specific proteins, genes, and tissues to prevent the tumor from spreading and growing.
• Immunotherapy- Immunotherapy is used to enhance the immune system’s performance to fight cancer cells.
• Palliative care- This therapy aids in relieving pain and other associated symptoms. Gastric cancer remedies are also a part of palliative care managed by nurses, doctors, and trained professionals. The main aim is to improve the quality of life of the patients.

It is observed that gastric cancer mainly affects older individuals belonging to the age group 50-70 years. The risk of developing this condition is higher in males compared to females. Stomach cancer accounts for about 1.5% of all the cancer types diagnosed yearly in the country. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms. Depending upon the phase at which the cancer is diagnosed, a healthcare professional may suggest the best treatment plan to manage the condition. Therefore, look for the warning signs of gastric cancer and consult a health expert immediately if one notices any of the symptoms, as mentioned earlier.